The short answer is yes. You can get sick from scuba diving. The longer answer is that it’s rare, but it can happen. There are a few reasons why someone might get sick while scuba diving but the most common cause is having a pre-existing condition or becoming ill before the dive. You can help avoid getting sick by drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated before your trip, avoiding any kind of infection or illness before diving and taking precautions when preparing gear for your trip.
Getting sick from scuba diving
Getting sick from scuba diving is rare but it can happen. Scuba diving is a strenuous activity that puts the diver in contact with various elements that may cause illness or injury. These include exposure to water and air, as well as contact with other divers in their group or other scuba divers around them.
Disease transmission also occurs in recreational water settings such as pools, hot tubs and spas. It’s important for anyone who dives or swims recreationally to understand how they can get sick while enjoying their favorite activities at these places of leisure.
Pre-existing condition or become ill before the dive
Most people who get sick from scuba diving generally have a pre-existing condition or become ill before the dive. If you are having a cold or sinus infection, it is not recommended that you dive. You can help avoid getting sick by drinking plenty of water, staying hydrated and avoiding smoking before and during your diving trip. The best way to stay healthy when scuba diving is to avoid getting infections and illnesses in the first place.
Diving with a sinus infection
Diving with a sinus infection is not recommended. Even if your symptoms are mild, the pressure changes that occur underwater can cause pain and discomfort. If you’re unable to equalize pressure on your dives because of congestion or inflammation in the nasal passages, you will experience fatigue and possibly even dizziness. If your symptoms are severe enough that they affect your ability to dive, consult with your doctor before heading out on your next trip.
You may be more susceptible to sinus infections if you have a cold, allergy or flu.
Symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Pain and pressure in the nose, cheeks, temples or forehead
- Congestion, stuffiness and nasal discharge (mucus)
- Constant sneezing and coughing
Avoid getting sick from scuba diving
Scuba diving is an incredible adventure, but it’s important for you to know that you can get sick from scuba diving. The good news is that there are some things you can do to avoid getting sick, and these precautions are important for your health and the health of everyone who will be on the dive with you. It’s also important for the safety of everyone else on board because people who are sick would have a harder time helping in an emergency situation.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after a dive.
- Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Drink water even if you don’t think you need it.
The best way to stay healthy when scuba diving
The best way to stay healthy when scuba diving is to avoid getting infections and illnesses in the first place. These tips will help you do just that:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching food or drink. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (not a gel) in between eating and touching surfaces that could be contaminated by others.
- Don’t touch your face while underwater unless absolutely necessary—you may have germs on your fingers from picking up something off the boat deck or unwashed hands from shore.
- Don’t share towels or cups with others (especially if there is any possibility of having had contact with sick people).
Getting sick while scuba diving can happen
Although uncommon, getting sick while scuba diving can happen. If you have a sinus infection or other medical condition that may make it hard for you to breathe through your nose, it is not recommended that you dive. This is due to the increased difficulty in equalizing pressure in your ears and sinuses. Diving with an ear infection also isn’t recommended because the extra pressure and water can cause more damage to your eardrum than if you were on land.
The best way to avoid getting sick while scuba diving is by keeping yourself hydrated before and during the dive, as well as drinking plenty of water after returning from a dive trip. If there’s any way possible (without compromising safety) try not to get stressed out before or during the dive trip so that stress hormones aren’t released into your system which could lead to illness later on in life due them lowering immune function over time.”
Conclusion
If you’re going to dive, make sure to take precautions against getting sick. Scuba diving is about more than just fun and relaxation—it’s an activity that requires a fair amount of preparation and planning on the part of all involved parties. For example, you should never go scuba diving if your immune system is compromised or if there’s any possibility that others in your party might be sick. In addition, it’s important not only to take care of yourself while out under water but also to follow good hygiene practices when preparing food or drinking water at home before heading off on vacation (or even a day trip).