Cold & Flu Season Is In Full Force: What Does That Mean For You, As A Diver?

We all dread it and know it's coming. In the fall we prepare for it by getting our annual flu shot, amping up our Vitamin C intake, stocking up on hand sanatizer...and more. But when it hits (and it always seems to in one way or another) it hits hard, it hits fast, and it takes no prisoners.

Enter stage left ... Cold And Flu Season.

It is here and it is in full force. Now obviously, when you are laid out in bed and can't even move, you're not going to even consiter going diving. So what, may you ask, does this have to do with me as a diver? Well, actually, more than you think.

Did you know that Decompression Sickness symptoms can mymic those of the Flu?

Extreme fatigue, general malaise, nausea, vomiting, head pounding, aching joints, cough, lung discomfort, weakness, sweating ... the list goes on. Sounds like your typical list of flu symptoms, does it not? Well, believe it or not, this list of symptoms came from the London Diving Chamber's website on "How to diagnose DCI." So if you come up from a dive during this wonderful season of our friend, the flu, and you're feeling any, or all, of the above mentioned symptoms it may be hard to distinguish one from the other.

When trying to decide if you're bent or just coming down with the flu, ask yourself the following questions:

How did I feel before I started diving? Was I already feeling a bit weak or fatigued? Already had a headache?
What was my dive profile like? Did I push any of my diving limits?
Does 100% Oxygen relieve any of my symptoms?

If you suspect DCS or have any of the above listed symptoms, start breathing 100% Oxygen right away. After a while if your symptoms do not improve at all or feel like they are getting worse, chances are you may be fighting the flu. However, Decompression Sickness is NOT something you want to mess with, so when in doubt, get your self to a chamber. Then, if they take you on a chamber ride and your symptoms STILL don't improve or are getting worse, the doctors will send you home with the good news that you were never bent, but the bad news of a fun few days ahead with the flu.

Did you know that diving post-cold before you are fully cleared up can cause serious problems?

Do yourself a favor and stay out of the water until you are FULLY recovered from a bout with a cold. Diving before your sinuses are completely cleared up can cause these serious problems:

Sinus Infection - diving too soon post-cold can clog up your sinuses if they were not fully cleared up to begin with. And if you've ever battled a sinus infection you know they are nasty and put up a good fight. Some infections require weeks upon weeks of antibiotics.
Serious Sinus Squeeze - this can be seriously painful! If you cannot clear your ears or sinuses easily upon descent STOP YOUR DIVE!
Reverse Squeeze - this is the #1 reason we recommend you NEVER dive on decongestants! You may think you can get away with still diving if you time taking some Sudafed just right so you can be nice and clear for your dive. This sounds like a great idea until the decongestant decides to wear off mid-dive so now you are nice and stuffy again before you have to ascend. Now you've trapped all of that pressurized air in your sinuses with no where to go. Trust us when we say this is NOT a pretty picture and is a painful experience.

So what's the point of all of this cold and flu information??? Please, Please, Please, make your life happier, stress-free and pain-free by letting your body FULLY heal after having a fight with Ms. Cold or Mr. Flu during the Cold and Flu Season. There is no dive worth your health, well being, and safety. Happy and Healthy Diving!

Diving Knowledge