5 Infections You Could Get at the Gym

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A healthy lifestyle includes making time for regular physical activity. Those who exercise are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and have fewer preventable diseases. Many visit the gym for this reason—to have a nice space where they can work out without distractions and have access to high-quality equipment.

Nevertheless, research suggests public gyms are teeming with bacteria that can cause disease. Research has shown that common gym equipment like treadmills and weight machines are blanketed with germs and other potentially harmful microorganisms. Infections caused by these microbes can potentially impair human health and well-being. 

Let’s discuss the types of illnesses you could contract when working out at the gym.

 

Strep Throat

Strep bacteria are highly contagious and can be passed from person to person through direct contact, coughing or sneezing, and contaminated surfaces like gym equipment. 

The most common infections brought on by these bacteria are strep throat. Sore throats caused by streptococcus are much more painful, and their symptoms last much longer than other types of sore throats. Intense pain and difficulty with swallowing may result.

Although if mild strep throat clears up on its own, your doctor would most likely prescribe antibiotic treatment, especially for more severe infections (like pneumonia). The most effective first-line medications for strep throat are penicillin or amoxicillin. 

Generic amoxicillin is a low-cost antibiotic. But you can find an Amoxicillin Coupon either online or at local drugstores to reduce the overall cost of this medication.

 

Ringworm

Ringworm can be contracted by getting in contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated environment. Ringworm can also be caught by touching an infected surface, like a piece of shared gym equipment.

Those who engage in high-contact sports such as wrestling are more prone to contracting ringworm.  Wrestlers frequently suffer from mat burns and other minor cuts that expose them to fungi infections like ringworm.

Yoga mats and other fitness equipment that come into prolonged contact with human skin are common carriers for the transmission of fungal infections.

Also, as this might be a risk factor, you might want to think twice when sharing clothing and towels at the gym with people suffering from an untreated fungal infection.

 

Staph

More than 30 distinct species of bacteria fall under staphylococcus, the causative agent of staph infections. Even though many people have staph germs on their skin or noses, not everyone carrying these bacteria will develop a staph infection. Staph bacteria, however, can enter the body through a cut or open wound and cause an infection.

Someone with staph bacteria can transfer them to an object, such as a door handle, where another person may get the bacterium. For instance, workouts necessitate physical contact with things like treadmills and weights. Many people (many of whom haven’t washed their hands) will use that equipment throughout the day.

The gym is a breeding ground for bacteria like staphylococcus, so it’s crucial to wash your hands frequently, maintain good hygiene, and take preventative measures like carrying your own workout mat and disinfecting gym equipment before use.

 

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are noncancerous growths brought on by viral infections in the epidermis. These warts are located underneath the foot and can be very uncomfortable as you walk. Although some people get warts after being exposed to it, others do not. In fact, not even members of the same family have the same reaction to the infection.

Plantar warts are caused by a type of HPV that is not highly contagious. Hence, the virus is not easily transmitted through casual human contact. Yet, the virus flourishes in warm, damp environments. Thus, it is possible to contract it by going barefoot in public showers or locker rooms. Other warts could develop in the feet if the virus travels from the original place of infection.

Always wear shoes at the gym, especially when using the pool, the locker room, or the shower. A simple defense against this infection is using a pair of shower shoes or other protective footwear when working out.

 

Herpes

Even if you don’t engage in sexual activity, you can still catch herpes, making it one of the most widespread diseases in the world. 

In certain cases, shared gym equipment might be much filthy than public restrooms. The herpes virus, for example, might live on the gym mat for hours or even days if an infected person touched it.

Herpes is a viral infection that comes in two different types. HSV-1,  also known as oral herpes, typically manifests in cold sores around the mouth. The second form, known as HSV-2 or genital herpes, can result in uncomfortable blisters in your private part down there.

Gym mats should be cleaned with antibacterial wipes or sanitizing sprays before each usage to reduce the risk of catching this infection. You might also bring your own mat to the gym.

 

Final Thoughts

Maintaining a clean fitness facility is essential. Gym equipment is particularly exposed to the spread of infection because gym-goers are causative agents for bacteria and viruses. Routinely disinfecting gym equipment before and after use, you may reduce your exposure to potentially hazardous pathogens and enjoy your workouts without worry.




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