Introduction
A fun day at the pool should end with happy memories—not a sudden spike in temperature. If your child develops a high fever after swimming, it can be alarming. While swimming itself isn’t typically the direct cause of a fever, exposure to contaminated water, bacteria, or pool chemicals can lead to illness. It’s important to recognize the possible causes and know when to seek medical attention.
Here’s what parents need to know about high fever after swimming, including potential causes, symptoms to watch for, and how to keep your child safe and healthy around water.
Is It Normal to Have a Fever After Swimming?
A mild increase in body temperature after physical activity, including swimming, is not unusual. However, a true high fever—especially one that appears hours after leaving the pool or lasts more than a day—is not normal and should not be ignored.
A high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C) may indicate an infection or reaction to something your child was exposed to in or around the water.
Common Causes of High Fever After Swimming
1. Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)
RWIs are infections caused by germs spread through contaminated pool or spa water. Even well-maintained pools can carry bacteria, viruses, or parasites if someone who is sick has recently been in the water.
Common RWIs include:
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Cryptosporidium (Crypto): A parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness, including fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
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Giardia: Another parasite that can lead to fever, vomiting, and dehydration.
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E. coli: Bacteria that can be present in water contaminated by fecal matter. It often leads to fever, cramps, and diarrhea.
2. Swimmer’s Ear (Outer Ear Infection)
Swimmer’s ear can sometimes result in a low-grade fever, particularly if the infection becomes moderate or severe. Look for symptoms like ear pain, redness, discharge, or sensitivity when touching the ear.
3. Respiratory Infections
Chlorine and other pool chemicals can irritate the respiratory tract. Children who are sensitive may develop symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, or fever. This is more common in indoor pools with poor ventilation.
4. Waterborne Viruses
Some viruses, like adenoviruses, can spread through pool water and cause symptoms such as fever, sore throat, pink eye, or stomach upset. These viruses are more common in crowded or poorly sanitized public pools.
Symptoms to Watch For
If your child has a high fever after swimming, monitor for these additional signs, which could indicate an infection:
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Diarrhea or vomiting
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Earache or drainage from the ear
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Coughing, congestion, or difficulty breathing
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Rash or skin irritation
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Sore throat or red eyes
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Extreme fatigue or irritability
If multiple symptoms are present or the fever is persistent, consult a healthcare provider promptly.
What to Do If Your Child Has a Fever After Swimming
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Monitor their temperature and symptoms closely.
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Keep them hydrated and rested.
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Use age-appropriate fever reducers if recommended by your doctor.
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Contact your pediatrician if:
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The fever is over 102°F (38.9°C)
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It lasts longer than 24–48 hours
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Your child has additional symptoms like diarrhea, rash, or difficulty breathing
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In the case of suspected waterborne illness, your doctor may recommend stool tests or specific treatments depending on the cause.
How to Prevent Pool-Related Illnesses
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Make sure your child avoids swallowing pool water.
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Don’t swim if your child has had diarrhea in the last 48 hours.
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Use swim diapers for younger children and check them frequently.
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Rinse off before and after swimming to remove germs and chlorine residue.
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Teach proper hygiene, including frequent hand washing and not sharing towels.
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Choose pools that are well-maintained, tested regularly, and have good reviews for cleanliness.
Conclusion
A high fever after swimming isn’t something to ignore, especially if it’s accompanied by other signs of illness. While the risk of waterborne infections is low in well-maintained pools, the possibility still exists. Understanding the symptoms, acting quickly, and practicing good hygiene and pool safety habits can help prevent future issues and ensure your child stays healthy and safe in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can swimming cause a fever on its own?
Swimming itself doesn’t cause fever, but exposure to bacteria, viruses, or pool chemicals can lead to infections that result in fever.
How long after swimming can symptoms appear?
Symptoms of waterborne illnesses or swimmer’s ear may appear within a few hours to several days after exposure.
Should I avoid public pools altogether?
Not necessarily. Public pools that are properly maintained and follow strict sanitation guidelines are generally safe. Just be cautious and aware of warning signs.
Is it safe to swim with a low-grade fever?
It’s best to avoid swimming if your child isn’t feeling well. Physical exertion and water exposure could worsen symptoms or spread illness to others.
