sharing a Hot Tub ok with Lupus

[LittleWoodChip]

Hi I’ve had Lupus for 30+ years now diagnosed with Hasimoto 6yrs ago. Read somewhere a long time ago thatLupus suffered should avoid a shared Hot tub due to our immune system compromised. Is that correct do you think?

[Kell12]

I think they put that many chemicals in like a swimming pool that you will be fine, I ve never avoided it, enjoy

[LittleWoodChip in reply to Kell12]

Thank you 🙂

[Spotty-ewe]

For the last 10 years or so I’ve stopped using swimming pools or jacuzzis which I used to love because I always ended up with a UTI every time I did . I miss using them but have been clear of UTIs since giving up. But we are all different so maybe you’ll be ok. Xx

[4Weddings]

I go swimming every other day and I never have a problem. Try going swimming again

[Ncut]

I go swimming at least once a week and have had no problems.

[Suvi8901]

Be careful with hot tubs!

Some may not be disinfected properly and tested regularly for the level of germs present in the water.

Some people have been unlucky with getting respiratory infections from hot tubs.

[Betty909090]

Thanks Suvi8901 for highlighting the risks of hot tubs.

Here’s 10 from Drs Kumar and Allarakha,

The 10 common negative side effects of hot tubs include:

*Hot tub rash

An infection caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

It causes a red rash and pus-filled, itchy, bumpy blisters, which appear and disappear within a few days.

If it remains there for an extended period, you should consult a doctor.

Do not soak in a hot tub for an extended period. After using a hot tub spa, take a shower and thoroughly clean yourself.

*Legionnaires’ disease

Legionella is a germ that causes the disease. Steam from contaminated hot tub water transports germs that cause severe pneumonia.

Symptoms, such as headache, fever, chills, and muscle pain, appear within a day or so of soaking.

People older than 50 years are more vulnerable to the disease, particularly those who smoke and have lung problems.

*Irritation from bodily fluids

Chloramine is formed when urine, feces, and sweat react with chlorine, causing skin irritation. This can be severe in people with sensitive skin.

*Scalding and burns

Water-related thermal burns are more common than fire-related thermal burns. Keep in mind that the water temperature should never exceed 104°F.

Experts advise that an average adult should not spend more than 15 minutes in a hot tub to avoid injury.

*Illness from parasites

Some microorganisms can tolerate chlorine and remain in the tub.

Cryptosporidium and giardia are parasites that cause cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, respectively.

Diarrhea, fever, vomiting, stomach cramps, and dehydration are common symptoms of these diseases.

*Shigellosis and E coli

These bacteria are common and can be easily spread by contaminated hot tub water.

Symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

When you ingest contaminated water, the bacteria enter your stomach. To avoid these bacteria, you should change your hot tub water regularly.

Hot tubs and blood pressure

*Patients who take beta-blockers to control their blood pressure should exercise caution when using hot tubs.

When you soak in a hot tub, the blood vessels beneath your skin dilate or expand, causing a drop in blood pressure.

You must enter and exit the hot tub slowly. As a result, it will lessen the impact of blood pressure fluctuations and give your body time to adjust to the temperature change.

*Headache, dehydration, and vomiting

Some people get headaches, vomiting, and dehydration after using a hot tub.

The heat and the temperature difference between the outside air and the hot tub water is the cause.

It is recommended that you keep the hot tub temperature low, stay in the shade and drink plenty of water.

*Hot tubs and elderly

Hot tubs are dangerous to the elderly health because they can breed infection-causing bacteria.

They are dangerous for seniors who have high (or low) blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems.

Hot tubs should be avoided by elderly people who have chronic lung problems or who take certain medications.

Hot tubs and pregnancy

Pregnant women should avoid using a hot tub during their first trimester.

Pregnant women should consult their doctors first.

Accidental injuries, such as lacerations and drowning in hot tubs, can be fatal, so use caution when using hot tubs.

Along with accidental injuries, hot tub spas pose some other frightening health risks. Temperatures in hot tubs are typically 104°F or less, which is not hot enough to kill microorganisms that thrive in warm water.

Most of these organisms will be rendered inactive if the proper level of disinfection is maintained.

[Turquoise-1]

LittleWoodChip

I haven’t got a hot tub but my husband & I regularly swim & use the, (very warm), hydrotherapy pool at the gym we go to, plus the steam room & sauna. I also tend to swim in the warmer, smaller pool

I have SLE & he has RA; One of his treatments is IV infusions of the biologic, Rituximab which causes him to be immunocompromised.

Neither of us have been ill nor had Covid over the many years of being members. The health benefits of swimming & hydrotherapy are many and recommend to us both by each of our separate Rheumatology/CTD consultants.

Flares/fatigue sometimes prevent me from swimming etc, but I don’t think these are caused by actually using the pools as I aren’t currently taking any specific Lupus medications so am not immunocompromised.

Unfortunately, the chlorine does dry out my already dry skin & sometimes stings my face if I’m in the water too long. Lotions, potions (some prescribed), + an antihistamine soon sorts me out plus I wear a long sleeved bathing suit & goggles. The chlorine soon ruins my swimwear too! …..

The pool staff regularly test the levels of ‘bugs’ in the water, the pools are frequently cleaned & treated with appropriate chemicals & filters.

It’s personal choice whether you use hot tub or not but I’d say go enjoy yourself …… 🩱🌊🛀

[AgedCrone]

TBH…if I were the healthiest person in the worrld I would not share a hot tub with strangers EVER!