The main cause of concern while swimming with a cold in a public pool is the transmission of germs to other people. Before you venture into the pool, it is wise to consider your symptoms. If you have a fever, it may be best to skip the workout and simply take a few days off from your routine. If your symptoms are particularly severe, you should not go into the pool because you may be in the infectious stage, and thus, you may spread the infection to other pool users. You should especially be wary of entering the pool if you are congested, are wheezing, or suffer from fatigue, an upset stomach, and body ache.
If you feel fine, but feel a little congested and do not have a runny nose, you can continue with your swim after dialing down its intensity. Shorten the duration of your swim, so that you do not over strain your body, which is already being overworked fighting the infection. If you swim without reducing the intensity, you may only end up worsening your symptoms.
Tips
- Install a humidifier in your room and inhale some moist air. This will certainly help bring down your symptoms and improve your overall health as well. The moist air also helps open up your nasal passages so that you no longer have a runny nose. Swimming becomes much easier and more pleasant when your mucous has drained.
- If you do decide to go for a swim in a public pool, make sure you take all the precautions to prevent passing germs to others.
- You must also make sure that you wash your hands frequently so that you do not spread germs through contact.
- Other than that, you should try and breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.
- Avoid sharing towels or any other personal effects with anyone else.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze. This reduces the chances of transmitting the germs to others.
answered by K C