Does MAC mean no pool swimming?

It is my understanding that ocean swimming is fine, but not pools/tubs etc.

@njlynn Thos is a good question with warmer weather. Here is a recent discussion on the topic:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reducing-exposure-to-nontuberculous-mycobacteria-ntm/?pg=17#comment-1307850
The answer is complicated. There is a risk in swimming, but it is widely variable and comes down to the amount of exposure. Think time + concentration of germs.
Indoor pools can have a very high concentration of NTM in the air above and around them.
Outdoor pools and lakes can contain NTM, but the vast volume of air around them quickly dilutes the concentration in the air.
So outdoor exposure would be a relatively low risk, indoors quite high.

Since we cannot avoid NTM, each of us must choose our own path.

Mine? I swim outside in pools, lakes and the ocean. I very rarely swim indoors, maybe a quick dip once a year with my grandsons in a hotel pool. I stay away from spas, saunas and steam rooms. I can be tempted by an outdoor natural hot spring while on vacation but I keep my visit short.

What kind of pool use do you enjoy?

Can you send the link to the YouTube video from National Jewish Health? Thanks!

I am so glad you posted this! I am going to NJH and was thinking about going to the Glenwood Hot springs resort over the weekend. Sounds like I might have to skip that 🙁 I'll have to ask my doctor about going there with an N95 mask on when I get to Colorado.

I looked for it, too. I had thought outdoor pools were ok due to dilution from air and I've used them the past few summers. I thought Falkenham had said that, but may be wrong about source.

Hi Sue. Thanks for your informative post. I am curious about your comment, "I stay away from spas, saunas and steam rooms." Spas (i.e., hot tubs like Jacuzzi) and steam rooms are definitely very risky because of their high humidity but not hot-enough temperature to kill NTM. But I have always understood (and my pulmonologist has confirmed) that saunas (i.e., dry Scandanavian-style) do not pose any significant risk because the extremely low humidity (typically close to zero percent) and very high temperature (typically at least 170 degrees) are inhospitable to NTM. If you have any research indicating otherwise I would appreciate your sharing that.

IF I had my own sauna, or knew the person who did, and it was maintained as it should be at 170F and < 10% humidity, I would use it without hesitation. Those are few and far between in the city where I live, even with its deep Scandinavian roots.
BUT, in many gyms and clubs, members use the sauna more like a steam bath, pouring way too much water on the rocks. And some management, unfamiliar with the traditional extreme temperatures, turn the thermostats down, even below 140F - for "safety."
So I give public or semi-public saunas a pass.

@hbcupcake I hope that if you are very careful and wear your N-95 mask whenever near springs you would be ok. Would be interested in what your doctor says. I am going to NJH myself soon and am going to ask the same, also about paddle boarding on estuary, really all those things we like to do on water that isn’t ocean water. Does wearing an N-95 mask sufficiently protect or should we avoid altogether. Fingers crossed!

Hello bayarea58
Lucky you having, apparently, found your way early on to participating in the outdoor activities that you have mentioned in posts, that you do. My first thought to "paddle boarding on estuary" as I read the post above....just don't fall over and fall in..... mask and all. 😁
Yes we have to live our life and surely can't cut out all the things we like that bring us joy. My concern also in the ocean, lakes, estuary etc. is open wounds or those small areas, cuts that we aren't aware of. Sad all the things that can happen.

Jill has given us some postings related to her April visit to NJH and glad to see them.

My huge burning question: If we all had different doctors while at NJH while there and compared the answers, comments, statements, replies, protocols etc. etc. that each of us received from our lead NJH doctor would the answers, comments, statements, replies be consistent from one doctor to another??? Just a thought, considering various possible factors that can come into play.
Barbara

You are correct. He did say that. Both my PC and pulmonologist tell me to go home and get in the pool! Fortunate to have one and I maintain the chemicals and do the testing.
I have 5 vertebrae compression fractures and that’s why they encourage it because exercise is difficult.