After a gruelling workout, a dip in a warm jacuzzi can feel like a godsend.
But after a long hard run, the last thing you want is a case of the runs.
Unfortunately, according to experts, taking a dip in a hot tub could lead you to having an outbreak of diarrhoea.
The onset of symptoms is all down to one parasite – cryptosporidium. So how does cryptosporidium get into your system?
Well, any time you get into a public pool or hot tub, you’re likely to be exposed to bodily fluids of other people.
Cryptosporidium is spread through faecal matter, which you can inadvertently ingest while in the water.
The temperature is also the perfect temperature to allow bacteria to grow – which probably won’t help you fight off the bugs that could be floating into your body.
So what’s the best practice to keeping you parasite free?
Wash your hands and body with soap and water when you get out of a pool or hot tub. While hand sanitizer won’t kill off parasites, using warm, soapy water should keep infection (and diarrhoea) at bay.
