Bacteria in Public Pools

As the dog days of summer kick in, swimming is a great way to cool off on a hot day. Beware of fecal contamination in public pools though, which experts say can make you sick. Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, says, "The most common problems people get while swimming are intestinal infections, either bacterial or viral." Before you get into a pool make sure you check it. It also helps to take a shower before entering a pool, and if you've had stomach problems in the past 24 hours avoid the pool altogether.