There are many myths out there regarding HIV/AIDS. Many people are unsure of what a swimming pool means for those who have HIV.
Does the virus travel via the water? Can we ‘catch’ HIV from someone who has an open cut or sores?
Before we can answer these questions, let’s consider some history and facts about HIV.
- What is HIV/AIDS? Summary and History
- How is HIV Contracted?
- Connecting HIV/AIDS and Swimming
What is HIV/AIDS? Summary and History
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. What this means is that this virus, which only affects humans, weakens the immune system by eliminating cells that fight infection and disease. It takes over the cells and reproduces itself, and unlike other viruses like the cold or the flu, the human immune system is unable to remove HIV.
Once HIV removes many CD4 cells, it makes your body helpless in fighting infections and diseases, which can allow other viruses to enter your system, such as AIDS.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome – which translates to the final stage of HIV – a syndrome, not a single disease due to the symptom range. This stage of HIV leaves people with damaged immune systems.
It is believed that HIV originated from a type of chimpanzee from Western Africa – and that humans came in contact with HIV when they hunted and ate the infected animal. It wasn’t until the early 1980’s that the virus had made its way to the United States for several cases and instances.
"HIV can’t survive outside of the body and can’t reproduce. It will not spread via air or water, which means that it cannot be spread person-to-person in a swimming pool".
How is HIV Contracted?
HIV is found from certain human body fluids, and thus if the fluids enter into another human’s body, it can infect the body and spread HIV. Many fluids can transfer the HIV virus, including blood that is infected.
The following table shows what will and will not cause HIV to spread.
Unprotected Sex? | Yes |
Injecting Drugs using needle? | Yes |
Using a public toilet? | No |
Hugging, shaking hands, kissing? | No |
Body piercing or tattoos? | Yes |
Being spit on or scratched from an infected person? | No |
Mosquitoes? | No |
Food? | No |
Connecting HIV/AIDS and Swimming
HIV can’t survive outside of the body and can’t reproduce. It will not spread via air or water, which means that it cannot be spread person-to-person in a swimming pool. Even if an infected person had a cut, the blood in the pool water wouldn’t last long and therefore would not cause you to become infected with the virus.
The virus is unable to survive in pool water and is therefore there have been no reported cases of HIV transmission from pools or hot tubs. Chlorine instantly kills any virus (HIV, Ebola, Rhino…) that it contacts, in addition to the fact that these viruses cannot survive outside of the human body.
HIV can NOT transfer through swimming pool water. While there is no effect on HIV to pool water, swimming can be an advantageous activity for those suffering with the AIDS.
Swimming can be beneficial to those who with HIV infection because exercise will increase the muscle mass and counteract the effects of atrophy. Because some medications have side effects such as fatigue and numbness, you should talk to your doctor before swimming, to find out if any side effects prevent you from exercising.
Swimming and aerobic exercise has many positive effects on the body and mind. Studies have found that exercise has reduced the amount of stress hormones that the body releases as response to mental stress. One particular study of 50 HIV infected persons in 1990 showed that aerobic exercise reduced symptoms of depression and increased energy.
Exercise and conditioning can enhance the immune system, and this is also true for those living with HIV. Doctors do not recommend excessive exercise, as a more moderate approach is ideal. Exercise can increase the muscle mass, as well as neutralize the effects of wasting that occurs from HIV.
There are no risks for HIV transfer through pool water and for those that have HIV, the positive effects of swimming – or any aerobic exercise – are proven through various studies.
References:
“What Is HIV/AIDS?” Aids.gov Web.
“HIV Transmission.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.
“Swimming and Diving.” HIVsport.Org:. Web (NLA)
Seaton, Jessica. “Swimming and HIV.” SPMS. Southern Pacific Masters Swimming, n.d. Web.