As summers are here and so are the pool sessions, an Instagram post is making rounds on the social media platform by Ilia Ototiuk, who calls himself an ambassador of discipline, mental and physical wellbeing. The post lists down the reason why kids get sick after a swimming session. The post mentions that the reason is not water, but something else. Health And Me decided to fact check each claim made on the post, and here is what we found. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ILIA OTOTIUK (@iliaototiuk)]]> Claim #1: “The problem isn’t cold water or swallowing pool water.”Fact CheckAccording to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swallowing or inhaling contaminated pool water can absolutely cause illness. particularly gastrointestinal infections like diarrhea. Germs such as Cryptosporidium can survive for over a week in properly treated pools. While temperature itself doesn’t directly cause colds, swallowing pool water can spread pathogens.Also Read: India Sees Rising Death Risk From Chronic Diseases While Other Countries Report Decline, Finds Lancet StudyVerdict: Cold water alone won’t give a child a cold, but contaminated water can cause infections.Claim #2: “The real immune crash happens right after getting out. The body is warm, skin is wet...”Fact CheckThe claim that wet skin and drafts cause an “immune system shutdown” isn’t supported by medical evidence. What actually happens is explained by US Masters Swimming: sudden exposure to cold water can trigger cold water shock, affecting heart rate, breathing, and circulation. Extended exposure can lead to hypothermia or afterdrop (continued cooling even after leaving the water).Verdict: The body does not “shut down immunity.” Instead, risks are linked to cold-water shock and hypothermia, especially if kids don’t warm up quickly after swimming.Claim #3: “Sitting around in wet swimsuits for 5–10 minutes makes the body vulnerable.”Fact CheckAs per Texas A&M Health and the Mayo Clinic, sitting in wet swimsuits doesn’t cause colds, but it can cause fungal infections (like yeast infections or jock itch) and skin irritation from chafing. Prolonged dampness makes an ideal environment for fungi and bacteria.Verdict: The real risk is fungal or bacterial skin infections, not colds. Parents should change kids into dry clothes quickly after swimming.Claim #4: “Not drying hair causes sinus overload and colds.”Fact CheckThe Cleveland Clinic explains that wet hair itself does not cause colds. Viruses such as rhinovirus are the culprits, not damp scalps. While cold environments may help viruses spread more easily, wet hair is not a direct cause of runny noses, sore throats, or fevers.Verdict: Leaving hair wet or letting it "air dry" won’t cause colds. However, drying kids’ hair after swimming can help them stay comfortable and prevent feeling chilled.Claim #5: “Skipping post-swim snacks weakens immunity.”Fact CheckAccording to the BBC 2023 report, post-exercise nutrition is important, especially within 30–60 minutes after swimming. The body needs carbohydrates to replenish glycogen and protein to repair muscles. Skipping food doesn’t directly cause infections, but poor recovery can increase fatigue and stress, making the body less resilient.Verdict: It’s true that kids should eat a balanced snack after swimming, ideally carbs + protein, but saying “immunity weakens” without food is an exaggeration.
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