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Reinfected by beach or swimming pool?

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2018 4:35 pm
by Mookie
My family is planning a beach trip and I’d love to be able to swim and use the hotel swimming pool. I’m 2 months Cdiff free and have not been symptomatic since my treatment. I’m just terrified I’ll get reinfected at the beach or pool. Does anyone know if that’s a possibility? Thank you in advance.

Re: Reinfected by beach or swimming pool?

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2018 6:48 pm
by DD454
I don't have a ton of experience but I did go in the pool with it once and was fine.

Re: Reinfected by beach or swimming pool?

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2018 8:12 pm
by AllisS
Theoretically, it would be possible, as the mode of transmission is by ingestion of C. diff spores and swimming typically involves at least some intake of water. That said, I think the risk is relatively low.

Re: Reinfected by beach or swimming pool?

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2018 9:55 pm
by beth22
Going into the ocean should pose no risk for c difficile as far as I know. In a pool, just don't swallow any water or have it go down your nose. My daughter caught an intestinal staff infection in a pool when she was little, but she swallowed water.

Re: Reinfected by beach or swimming pool?

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 3:41 am
by roy
C.diff is a common bacteria, you can not avoid it.
We all come into contact with it (probably almost daily).
Swimming pools are chlorinated (bleach) so hopefully that kills it.
Many beaches are high risk for all types of bacteria and sewers often empty into the sea so faecal bacteria is common in sea water in some areas.
99.9% of the time your body just deals with it.

To put it into perspective if 4 people are in a car it's almost certain at least one of them will have c.diff bacteria on their shoes (all of them will have millions of other bacteria).
Enjoy your trip, be sensible with hygiene and dont worry about the "what iffs"

Re: Reinfected by beach or swimming pool?

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 3:34 pm
by Mookie
Thank you guys! I’d hate to cancel my little ones first beach trip. I appreciate all of the feedback ❤️