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@laurademaine

Hi Sue. Wondering if public pools or community pools are safe to swim in with someone who has MAC

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Replies to "Hi Sue. Wondering if public pools or community pools are safe to swim in with someone..."

I was told that swimming pools and steam rooms are a no-no. Swimming in ocean water is ok, however, due to the fact that the bacteria can't survive above 3% salinity.

Many recommend avoiding pools and spas, especially indoors. There is evidence that MAC can be present in pools, and especially spas. Some say it may also be present in lakes & even the ocean.

Every person is different, faces decisions about what is important to them and their mental health and has a different risk tolerance. This is a question to discuss with your doctors.

I discussed the risks at length with my ID doc and my primary, and formed my own strategy. I avoid all indoor pools and all spas/hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas (if water is used to create steam). I swim and exercise in an outdoor saltwater pool, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic ocean. I play with grandkids, boat and paddleboard on freshwater lakes. This plan is based on my personal risk tolerance and seems to work for me.

What kind of swimming/activity are you considering?
Sue