Experts warn! Attention to those entering the pool...

Noting that certain rules must be followed before entering pools and the sea, Şerefhanoğlu stated that pools are particularly riskier in terms of infections, that there are methods and related specifications for the microbiological cleaning of specific pools, and that one should research beforehand whether the pool being entered is regularly cleaned and disinfected by an authorized company.

"Do not enter unregulated pools": Emphasizing that pool cleaning is not a simple process and that pool capacity is also important in terms of infection, Şerefhanoğlu stated, "In general, pools used by small children are risky. Children may relieve themselves in the pool. Furthermore, as the number of people entering the pools increases, the risk of the pool becoming contaminated also increases. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure that the specifications determined according to the number of people using the pools are followed. Therefore, one should not enter unregulated pools, but rather pools that are inspected by reputable companies. This is because these pools require periodic analysis of the chemicals within them, investigation of the acid balance, examination of other chemical entities, and microbiological analyses."

Addressing potential infection issues and emphasizing the need to take certain precautions to protect against them, Şerefhanoğlu stated the following: "Certain infections are frequently seen in pools that have not been cleaned properly. Among these, the most common one we encounter is eye infection, which can be described as conjunctivitis. Skin wounds or fungal infections, urinary tract infections, and fungal infections in the genital area can occur. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur due to swallowing contaminated water. It is necessary to dry off in the sun after getting out of the pool. If drying in the sun is not possible or if one is going to remain damp for a long time, the swimsuit must be changed, and the body must be dried with a towel. Especially the inner thighs and genital areas should be dried as they are prone to remaining damp. Since chemicals remain on our bodies after the pool, one must definitely take a shower with regular tap water after getting out of the pool."

"Be cautious if there is no blue flag at the beach": Noting that the sea is safer compared to swimming pools, Prof. Dr. Kıvanç Şerefhanoğlu stated, "However, one might question whether the sea carries a blue flag. Beaches with a blue flag are safe. If the beach where you intend to swim does not have a blue flag, it is necessary to investigate whether sewage or various factory waste is being discharged into the sea. In this regard, it is beneficial to obtain information from the municipality and authorized institutions to check whether microbiological testing of the sea in that area has been conducted."

Emphasizing that there may be pollution in seas connected to sewage systems, Şerefhanoğlu stated that symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, eye infections, and skin infections may occur, and advised that one should definitely take a shower after leaving the sea to remove potential dirt and salt from the body, and should take care not to remain damp. (AA)

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