General Discussion Triathlon Talk » OWS sickness? Rss Feed  
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2009-09-14 6:36 PM

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Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: OWS sickness?
Sorry if stupid question, but my nurse mother is freaked with me swimming in the local OWS venues so I figured I would ask everyone. Regarding swimming in lakes/rivers/oceans...does anyone do any sort of medical preparation - i.e. tetnus shots etc...or worry about catching a stomach bug from the icky water? Taking in a bit of water is unavoidable while swimming (at least for me), so does anyone else worry about this? I am not a germaphobe at all, but do tend to have a sensitive stomach so trying to get as much info as I can! My tri in 2 weeks is in a man made lake that is known for being very icky, so trying to prepare! Thanks!


2009-09-14 7:02 PM
in reply to: #2405975

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Expert
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SF Bay Area
Subject: RE: OWS sickness?
I don't think you should be concerned about getting sick. It's not really an issue. I would say that most of the lakes where Triathlons are held are "man-made" and that has no bearing on what's in the lake anyway.
2009-09-15 8:37 AM
in reply to: #2405975

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Champion
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the alamo city, Texas
Subject: RE: OWS sickness?
any responsible RD will be sure to test the water for bacteria if there is any reason to be concerned.  swims get cancelled when the water is unsafe.
2009-09-15 8:44 AM
in reply to: #2405975

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Master
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Columbus, Ohio
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Subject: RE: OWS sickness?
My opinion is that we are far too underexposed to everyday germs these days anyway. That's why we have the rise in allergies, etc. And why people are growing immune to antibiotics.

A little germs are good for us.

I've never gotten sick from swimming in anything. Not the Ohio River, not local reservoirs, etc. I usually get a good gulp or two of it with an unexpected wave, as well.
2009-09-15 9:03 AM
in reply to: #2405975

Member
1487
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Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: RE: OWS sickness?
Thanks for the replies! Good to know - one less thing to worry about! Thanks!
2009-09-15 9:50 AM
in reply to: #2405975

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Extreme Veteran
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South Orange
Subject: RE: OWS sickness?
I too am a Nurse and understand where your mom is coming from. That said, no I dont do any special preparation, but after swimming in certain bodies of water I keep close eye on how my body is doing the days after the event. Bodies of water I am referring to are things like the Hudson river as two Cruise ships pass by forcing you to "drink" their exhaust, or waters off of Staten Island, just because its Staten Island.


2009-09-15 9:50 AM
in reply to: #2405975

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Master
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Toronto
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Subject: RE: OWS sickness?
If we're going to be swimming in Lake Ontario around the city we do check the e-coli levels. The city posts the water conditions online.  Maybe they have something similar in your area?
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » OWS sickness? Rss Feed