Public pools while immuno-deficient (MS ... - My MSAA Community

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Public pools while immuno-deficient (MS + treatment)? is it ok?

anaishunter profile image
14 Replies

This is summertime and I'm very tempted to go to the local outdoor swimming pool to change my exercise routine a bit.

I'm concerned that being under Ocrevus (next round soon), my immune system is depleted and I could catch nasty stuff in the pool. Same for other open water (lake,...). Any opinion or recommendations?

(I will ask my doctor, of course).

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anaishunter profile image
anaishunter
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14 Replies
rjoneslaw profile image
rjoneslaw

I wouldn't do it. There are too many things that can attack your immune system. Not to mention the people and their cleanness.

anaishunter profile image
anaishunter in reply to rjoneslaw

this is exactly what I'm thinking...

falalalala profile image
falalalala

Of course I would talk to the doc about these things.They didn't give instructions before your infusion as to what one should avoid?

My opinion is that they usually put a boatload of chlorine in public pools. Not so sure about the public showers as regards cleanliness.Definitely wear flip flops in there.

I think other people are what I'd worry about especially in restaurants (that is what grosses me out if I think too much about it)

I once had a waitress who picked a scab on her face as she took our order.

She left and so did we.

anaishunter profile image
anaishunter in reply to falalalala

I did have a discussion with the neuro about it because Ocrevus wiped out a lot more than my B-cells (T-cells); and this is why I have a delayed round 2 of Ocrevus (it's been 12 months). All along he said to take normal precautions, wash your hands regularly...

That said, I have not had a cold or flu the whole winter.

falalalala profile image
falalalala in reply to anaishunter

That's good.

I was wondering about public pools and it turns out that there's a lot of info about communicable diseases that can be spread through the pools out there.I've also seen some things on water slides and water parks for children

Be careful.

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp

Can you find out how well maintained the pool is and if there have been any complaints about the sanitation? If not, I’d be a little concerned.

anaishunter profile image
anaishunter in reply to greaterexp

good suggestions

Sukie427 profile image
Sukie427

Obviously the best thing to do is to check with your neuro. I myself wouldn't do it. Even though if the pool is well maintained it should have plenty of chlorine in it, with people not vaccinating their kids and the resurgence of diseases we thought were long gone (such as measles) and the entire public free to go in, I just wouldn't chance it.

pamgarner profile image
pamgarner

I think all of us on ocrevus need to be especially careful in all bodies of water,I saw on the news a man went swimming in the ocean in panama city florida and because of a scratch on his leg got a flesh eating bacteria.we certainly don't need more problems with ms.....

hairbrain4 profile image
hairbrain4

It's always good to be cautious. Most public pools do have a lot of chlorine that will kill most of the bugs, but if you get close to someone with an open cut or scratches you are raising your probability of catching something. Also if you have any cuts, scratches or even acne you are definitely asking for an infection. I'm on Ocrevus also & I have avoided our pool this year. I'm also very cautious when eating out or out in public in general. I don't touch door handles or anything that other people touch, I even wipe off the silverware. I also eat local honey, cinnamon & apple cider vinegar to help fight infections. I have been doing that for a couple of years & I haven't gotten sick at all. As far as the pool, I would find a friend that has one if possible.

kycmary profile image
kycmary

I'd stay OUT!! of public pools, with compromised immune systems it's just not a good choice.

anaishunter profile image
anaishunter

my neuro said that public pools are ok but I'm not sure I'm ok with it.

Sandydemop profile image
Sandydemop

Watching these comments closely. It's so hot I really want to go swim at the local pool!

kdali profile image
kdali

I don’t do lakes, even before ocrevus 🤢 A clean chlorinated pool in the sun is probably safer than going to the grocery store.

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