GREENSBORO, N.C. — As summer heats up, many of us are heading to pools, lakes, and beaches to cool off. We want you to have fun without any ill effects from it later.
That's why we spoke to Dr. Philip Lamptey, Medical Director of Cone Health Virtual and Urgent Care, to share tips on preventing water-related illnesses as well as what to do if you are exposed.
Here are a few common summer bodies of water you might visit and what you should do to avoid spreading germs in them.
POOLS
Dr. Lamptey said people who recently received piercings or have bleeding wounds should stay out of the pool. He said people with small cuts should be fine to enter the pool as long as they have a waterproof band-aid over the abrasion.
If you swallow a lot of pool water, Dr. Lamptey said not to panic. Look out for symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. If you have them, you may need to contact a doctor.
SPLASH PADS
Dr. Lamptey said the most important thing to remember with splash pads and water fountains is to have the right footwear so you don't slip and fall. He said you shouldn't get in the water if you have an infection because it can spread easily in splash pads.
OCEANS AND LAKES
Dr. Lamptey reminds us that for natural bodies of water, avoid getting in the water if you have any cuts. Natural water is not chlorinated to keep it clean, so you're more likely to get an infection.
You can watch Dr. Lamptey's full interview in the video above.
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