Can swimming in hotel pools cause diarrhea — and how can you protect yourself?

Swimming pool–related diarrhea is usually caused by waterborne pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, or norovirus. In this episode, we explain how recreational water infections occur and how gastrointestinal symptoms are assessed in Europe.

In this episode, we cover:

• How contaminated pool water can transmit infection

• Common pathogens linked to hotel and resort pools

• Symptoms: watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, low-grade fever

• Why chlorine does not eliminate all organisms immediately

• The importance of not swimming while symptomatic

• Safe swimming hygiene practices

• Hydration and managing mild symptoms

• When stool testing may be recommended

• Red flag symptom ...