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Is swimming in a public pool safe for someone with CLL? Everything is open now and my husband has CLL. Guidance is limited.

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Ask the Doctor Question:

Is swimming in a public pool safe for someone with CLL? Everything is open now and my husband has CLL. Guidance is limited.

Answer: If we were not in the midst of a pandemic, swimming in a public pool outdoors would be considered a lower-risk activity. However, still being in the midst of a pandemic this would be considered a high-risk activity and not be recommended.

At this time, CLL Society is still urging everyone with CLL, regardless of your vaccine and/or antibody status, to continue wearing a tightly-fitted mask (keeping in mind that a mask becomes ineffective if it becomes wet in situations like a public pool) and adhere to social distancing anytime you might be in contact with others from outside of your household, especially now that the general population is unmasking after the latest CDC guidelines. We also strongly urge you, your husband, and any other household members to get vaccinated if possible.