Are Hot Tubs a Good Idea With Hepatitis C?
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Most of us consider sitting in a hot tub to be a relaxing, luxurious non-activity. Others think of public hot tubs as cauldrons that breed contagious diseases. Such preconceptions can either encourage or discourage soaking in a hot tub. This is especially true for individuals with Hepatitis C, who already have a known infectious, contagious disease and whom could greatly benefit from some rest and relaxation. By being aware of both the pluses and minuses of hot tubs, people with the Hepatitis C virus can make an educated decision about if, when and how long to take a soak.
To help those with Hepatitis C wade through the myths and truths about going in a hot tub, four common concerns are addressed below:
- Hot Tubs and Hepatitis C Transmission – Because Hepatitis C is transmitted from blood-to-blood contact, there is virtually no risk of transmission from sharing a hot tub with an infected person. In order for there to be any chance of contracting Hepatitis C in a hot tub, both the infected person and the non-infected person sharing the hot tub would have to be physically touching and have open, bleeding wounds in order to allow for the possibility of transmission. To date, no cases of Hepatitis C have ever been traced to hot tub transmission. As a precautionary measure, anyone with Hepatitis C should not share a soak in a hot tub if they have an open wound. From a grander perspective, it is safest to skip your soak if you see anyone in a communal hot tub with a bleeding or otherwise open wound.
- Hot Tubs for Myalgias – The fancy word for muscle pain, myalgia is one of the most common problems associated with Hepatitis C antiviral treatment. A documented side effect of interferon, myalgias seem to be related to the systemic inflammation and dehydration brought about by therapy. For those coping with muscle pain, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) may relieve the discomfort. However, soaking in a hot tub is a good, non-pharmaceutical solution to myalgias. Many hepatologists will suggest relaxing in a hot bath or hot tub to ease this common treatment side effect.
- Hot Tubs and Drug Sensitivity – Although hot tubs can help some people on Hepatitis C therapy, they can be too irritating for others. The skin irritation some experience is primarily because the drugs that comprise antiviral treatment can make the skin overly sensitive to the heat and the chemicals used to keep a hot tub clean.Besides the skin being sensitive, people on Hepatitis C treatment are susceptible to becoming lightheaded or dizzy in hot temperatures. Experts believe this is due to dehydration, a frequent consequence of Hepatitis C medications.
To reduce skin sensitivity, keep your injection site out of the water or cover it up so the chemicals (usually chlorine or bromine) from the hot tub cause less irritation. This is also a good infection control practice. Check that the hot tub has not just been shocked and that the chemical levels are within normal range. If extreme heat is irritating to your skin or making you feel woozy, have the temperature lowered and limit your soaking time. In addition, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Hot Tubs for Stress Relief – Although scientific proof is still catching up with what practitioners now understand to be a fact, relieving stress reduces Hepatitis C flare-ups and disease progression. The earliest spa enthusiasts (Romans, Japanese and Chinese) were able to appreciate the health benefits of using hot water to relax the body and generally promote better health. Because immersing the body in warm water relaxes muscles, dilates blood vessels and soothes emotional tension, most of us could benefit from soaking in a hot tub. These very real benefits can be especially appreciated by someone dealing with the physical and emotional stressors of managing the Hepatitis C virus.
Don’t allow worries about Hepatitis C interfere with a desire to immerse your body in a hot tub. This virus is not transmitted in a hot tub (under usual circumstances) and soaking could improve certain treatment side effects. Although hot tubs could exacerbate some Hepatitis C sensitivities (which can be minimized by monitoring chemicals, temperature, time and hydration), there is little doubt that relaxing in a hot tub is a great way to relieve stress. And with all of the stress, pressure and medical complexities involved with a Hepatitis C diagnosis, those infected are entitled to a little “R and R.”
Editor’s Note: Always consult with your physician about the safety of new health care regimen – including soaking in a hot tub.
References:
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/5-26-2006-97407.asp, Spas and Hot Tubs: Relaxing Your Way to a Better Health, Retrieved May 27, 2010, buzzle.com, 2010.
http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=prtop04-cs-01, Interferon and Ribavirin Treatment Side Effects, Retrieved May 25, 2010, United States Department of Veteran Affairs, 2010.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/faq-eng.php#a7, Frequently Asked Questions About Hepatitis C, Retrieved May 25, 2010, Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010.
http://www.spadepot.com/spacyclopedia/hot-tub-sanitizer-comparison.htm, Hot Tub Sanitizer Comparison Chart, Retrieved May 27, 2010, The Spa Depot, 2010.
