Crypto can be spread by swallowing contaminated water from pools, water parks, interactive fountains, water play areas, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, streams and oceans. Swallowing even a small amount of pool water that has been contaminated by the Crypto germ can make your child sick.
Recreational water illness and chlorine poisoning may lead to digestive distress, such as abdominal cramping and diarrhea. These conditions may seem like a bad case of food poisoning or stomach flu. Chlorine poisoning may also cause symptoms in the nervous and respiratory systems.
Chlorine levels, acidity, PH levels and so on. If the levels are too low, bacteria and algae can form in the pool, which can lead to potential health problems, especially for infants and toddlers. If the levels are too high, it can cause skin irritation for infants and adults alike.
Infant and toddler health
Some research suggests that infant swimming in chlorinated pools might increase the risk of airway inflammation, but there isn't enough information conclusively linking infant swimming and asthma to warrant keeping healthy babies out of indoor pools.
From about 2 months you can take them into a heated pool, but don't keep them in the water for more than 10 minutes at first. If they start to shiver, take them out and wrap them in a towel. Babies under 12 months shouldn't stay in a pool for more than 30 minutes.
If your child has had a near drowning, or perhaps swallowed too much water, keep a close eye out for the symptoms of secondary drowning and take them to the hospital immediately. Symptoms can even take between one and 72 hours to appear.
Summer is arriving and if you intend to visit a local swimming pool or that new water park, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you should be very careful. A mouthful of swimming pool water could quickly make an healthy person sick with diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.
“In addition to chlorine, which is found in most pools, swallowing some pool water or getting it up your nose could expose you to E. coli, norovirus and parasites like Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Shigella,” explained Geisinger primary care physician Dr. Kara Brezinski Clark, DO.
"The amount [of chemicals] used to clean a tub — which is usually rinsed well afterward and then filled with water — is less potent than in swimming pool water. So a few sips would be unlikely to cause harm," Altmann says.
“This can happen in a bathtub as well if the child goes face down in the water.” That water can irritate the lungs, which may cause more fluid build-up. If too much liquid accumulates, the lungs may run out of room for air. It used to be called dry or secondary drowning, and some people still call it that.
The symptoms of dry drowning begin almost immediately after a drowning incident, while secondary drowning symptoms may start 1-24 hours after water enters the lungs. Symptoms may include coughing, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and lethargy.
The myth of dry drowning goes something like this: A child goes underwater for a few seconds before being pulled to safety. They shake it off and go back to playing. But hours later, water remaining in their lungs causes them to “drown” on dry land. “This idea is really scary for parents, but it's misleading,” says Dr.
Young babies may also choke on liquids, like breast milk, formula, or even their own spit-up or mucus. Their airways are particularly small and easily obstructed. This is one reason that you hold your baby with his head below his chest when attempting to help.
Call the rescue squad (911) IMMEDIATELY.
Call the rescue squad (911) immediately in all cases of choking on a solid object. In general, choking on liquids is temporary and harmless. Call the rescue squad if your child chokes on a liquid and turns blue, becomes limp, or passes out.
"Water is not recommended for infants under six months old because even small amounts will fill up their tiny bellies and can interfere with their body's ability to absorb the nutrients in breast milk or formula," Malkoff-Cohen said.
They may become confused, drowsy or inattentive. They also may suffer from blurred vision, muscle cramps and twitching, poor coordination, nausea and vomiting, irregular breathing and weakness. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your pediatrician.
When babies are between 6 and 12 months of age, breast milk or formula continues to be a priority over water. But if you offer breast milk or formula first, you can then offer water, 2-3 ounces at a time. At this age, 4-8 ounces a day of water is enough. More than that may lead to water intoxication.
Most physicians recommend waiting until the baby is at least 6 months of age before going swimming with your baby. If your baby is less than six months old, avoid taking him or her to a large public pool, as the water is too cold.
That being said, the chemical content and risks involved in most swimming pools mean that your baby should be at least 6 months old before taking a dip.
If possible, wash your baby after leaving the pool as the chemicals used to keep the water clean can cause skin irritation. When in the pool with your baby flotation aids such as armbands and flotation jackets are not needed as you will be with your baby at all times.
You can take your baby swimming at any age, both before and after they have been vaccinated. It does not matter if they have not yet completed their course of vaccinations. Babies sometimes experience side effects after a vaccination. These are generally quite mild and should not stop you taking your baby swimming.
Therefore, swimmers – and especially parents of children who enjoy swimming – should be aware of the warning signs of chlorine poisoning. Symptoms may include digestive distress similar to a stomach bug, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and prolonged coughing. If you notice these signs, seek medical attention.