Can the Flu Virus Really Spread in a Swimming Pool?
The flu has become a great concern to many people. This is especially the case with the rise of the H1N1 strain. When in the swimming pool it helps to know that this condition can be tough to pass around. It will still be important to handle all proper cleaning processes though.
A study by the Center for Disease Control states that some types of this condition can be disinfected by chlorine. Recommended levels of chlorine for a swimming pool have been found to be able to disinfect some types of flu viruses. This has been found to be the case for the avian strain of flu. It is not fully certain as to whether or not the H1N1 form can be handled.
Even with this factor the there is no way how this can be fully disinfected in pool water. Germs that can get into the water over time can still be found around the water. This is because of how the effects of chlorine in the water can easily weaken over time unless new chlorine materials are inserted into the water. Therefore the effectiveness of the chlorine to kill off germs can vary.
The virus can be spread in areas that are outside of a swimming pool. These include handlebars for getting in and out of the pool, physical areas for any diving boards and even materials that are around the locker rooms of a pool area. A pool area can be treated like a public place in many cases and as a result it can be a place where it can spread just as easily.
A good thing to do with regards to helping to keep from getting in contact with the flu is to be sure to wash oneself before and after getting into a swimming pool. It also helps to be sure to avoid going to a pool if one is not feeling well. This is so that it will be easier to keep from getting the flu virus to spread around.
Some flu forms can be disinfected in a swimming pool but it is not all forms of this condition are known to be able to be handled easily. It will be important to be aware of how it can spread in areas outside of the water though. Fortunately using a few processes for cleaning can help to keep the virus from being spread at a pool.