M E D I C A L S P O T L I G H T
MEDICAL SPOTLIGHT
ASK A PHYSICIAN
Know the Facts about Swimming
Q: What are the main childhood illnesses you treat in the
summer related to swimming in pools?
A: Two of the most common swimming-related illness we treat in
the summer are swimmer’s ear and sunburn.
Q: What are the main things that you suggest all parents do to
keep their children safe while swimming in pools?
A: Always watch your children when they are playing in water.
With young children, an adult should be in the water as well within
arm’s reach of the child. We also recommend developmentallyappropriate
swim lessons and age-appropriate swimwear and
Drew Wright, MD
Q: What can be done to prevent swimmer’s ear in children?
A: Keep the ear canals dry when not swimming. Get all water out
of the ear canals by tilting the head to the side and gently pulling
on the earlobe in all directions to help the water drain.
If your child gets recurrent swimmer’s ear, you can try to rinse your
child’s ear canals with rubbing alcohol after swimming. You can
also try a mixture of half rubbing alcohol and half white vinegar to
dry the ear canal. Do not use cotton swabs to dry the ear canal as they will only irritate the canal and
cause earwax to build up.
Q: Are there any concerns related to COVID-19 and swimming that parents should be mindful of?
A: According to the CDC, “There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to
people through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds. Additionally, proper operation of these
aquatic venues and disinfection of the water (with chlorine or bromine) should inactivate the virus.”
We recommend that you follow the guidance of local authorities regarding protecting yourself and
protecting others. Wearing a cloth face covering while not in the water can help decrease the spread of
the virus. Individuals not from the same household should continue to maintain a six-foot social distance
while swimming.
Q:
A: The same recommendations for social distancing apply. Lakes and oceans can have contaminated
water, so try not to swallow water while swimming.
And, no matter where you are enjoying your summer, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water,
especially after changing diapers or using the restroom. If you are showing any signs of illness yourself,
including fever over 100.4 degrees, cough, or shortness of breath, you should contact your physician,
self-isolate, and limit exposure to others.
16 Bham Family July 2020
Drew Wright, MD, is a
pediatrician at Greenvale
Pediatrics in Hoover. The team of
Greenvale Pediatrics also sees
and Brook Highland.