Can You Swim with a Sore Throat? Revealing the Risks and Tips for Safe Swimming
A sore throat can really dampen your spirits and cause you to put your swimming plans on hold. But is that necessary, or should you go swimming with a sore throat?
Before we continue, I have to put a disclaimer here. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a sore throat, consult your doctor for personalized guidance and diagnosis.
To repeat something that I said in my article on swimming with a cold, if the cold is in the chest, you know, congestion and lung problems, do not swim. However, if the cold symptoms are above the neck, you can swim if you want.
So yes, not only can you swim with a sore throat, but you can also swim with a cough, so you don’t have to miss out on your summer fun.
Keep reading as we see more crucial information on swimming when you have strep throat.
What causes a sore throat?
As much as you want to know how you can swim when you have strep throat, well, it is also great to know what causes this infection. Once you know, you might be able to prevent the problem.
Strep throats are all over, among the most common ailments that affect adults and children alike. This infection can come from various sources, as follows:
Viral infections: The most common cause, responsible for the familiar scratchy throat in colds and flu.
Bacterial infections: Strep throat, caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, presents itself with severe sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).
Allergies: Pollen, dust, or other allergens can irritate the throat, causing soreness and itchiness (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 2023). Dust mites and being exposed to mold can also cause this nasty infection.
Dry air: Low humidity can dry out and irritate the throat tissue, which can lead to infection. (American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2023).
Swimming with a sore throat: 7 Tips for safety
If your doctor okays a light swim despite your sore throat infection, you still need to be careful. You can avoid swimming to prevent other pool users from catching the infection. You also don’t want to make the condition worse.
To swim successfully when you have strep throat, try the following safety tips:
Choose warm water: Hot tubs or saunas are strictly off-limits, as heat can worsen inflammation. Opt for comfortably warm pools to soothe irritated tissues. Generally, a heated swimming pool for winter swimming is good.
Keep it gentle: Skip strenuous swimming, diving, or jumping into the pool. Light laps or gentle water aerobics minimize the stress on your throat.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after swimming to prevent dehydration, which can further irritate the throat. Remember to eat something before swimming to keep your energy levels up.
Gargle with salt water: After swimming, mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water and gargle gently to promote healing and reduce discomfort. Do this in the morning, afternoon, and night, and the soreness goes away after a couple of days.
Shower well: Rinse off chlorine or other pool chemicals immediately after swimming to avoid further irritation.
Monitor your symptoms: If your sore throat gets worse, stop swimming and consult your doctor promptly. Usually, if the symptoms do not go away after 7 days, you should see a doctor.
Practice courtesy: Be mindful of others. If your sore throat is contagious, postpone swimming in public pools or shared bodies of water to avoid spreading the illness.
Sore throat after swimming: What could be the cause?
While this is uncommon, sometimes a sore throat may develop after swimming. The possible causes of this include:
Allergic reaction: Chlorine or other pool chemicals might trigger an allergic response in some individuals. If a child drinks pool water while swimming, he or she might experience a sore throat, on top of an irritated stomach.
Contaminated water: Swimming in improperly maintained pools or natural bodies of water can expose you to bacteria or viruses that cause throat infections. If there has been flooding, you should shock the swimming pool first, before swimming.
Pre-existing condition: If you have a chronic respiratory condition like asthma, chlorine exposure can irritate your airways and contribute to throat discomfort.
If you experience a sore throat after swimming, consult your doctor to rule out potential infections or allergic reactions.
Will chlorine make a sore throat worse?
Studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) confirm that properly maintained pool chlorine levels usually don’t worsen sore throats.
However, according to the CDC, there is a small risk of the low levels of chlorine in the water irritating the nasal passageways, and the throat.
Some individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions or allergies may experience temporary irritation. Therefore, we can say that the effect of chlorine on the throat depends on the individual. Some people can feel worse, and some people will not experience any problems.
As always, I advise you to speak to your doctor if you have a sore throat, and you want to swim. Better yet, just wait until you get better.
Is ocean swimming good for strep throat?
The dynamics of swimming in the ocean are different from those of swimming in the river, lake, or swimming pool. For instance, the currents are stronger, so you have to work harder to maintain your course.
The water is cold, and contains contaminants like heavy metals, effluent, farm chemicals, and many others. Therefore, swimming in the sea, or swimming in the Great Salt Lake which is heavy in minerals, might make your condition worse.
At first, the salty air might offer temporary relief. However, the cold seawater can shock your irritated throat and make your symptoms worse.
It is safer to swim in a pool when you have an infected throat, but it is recommended that you do not swim in the ocean. Wait until you are healed.
Final thoughts
The decision to swim or not to swim with a sore throat depends on the severity and cause of your discomfort. It also depends on your overall health and your doctor’s recommendation.
If you do not feel well, don’t swim. It is that simple. However, if you must swim with a cold and with a sore throat, do not over-exert yourself. Get out when the throat starts to feel dry or when you feel other effects.
Remember, strep throat is an indication of another infection, so it is possible to feel dizzy, weak, and even nauseous. If you experience any of these things, get out of the water.
Something important: If the sore throat symptoms persist longer than seven days, please see a doctor.