COMMON ILLNESSES
ATHLETE ’ S FOOT is a fungal infection that causes mild but annoying skin rashes . It easily spreads in damp environments , such as public showers or locker rooms . Keep feet clean and dry by washing them daily and drying completely with a clean towel and avoid sharing . Choose cotton socks or ones made of fabric that wicks away moisture . Use an OTC powder / spray every day to help reduce sweating .
What to know about illness
BACTERIAL INFECTIONS such as strep throat , can and should be treated by antibiotics . If your athlete has a bacterial infection , he or she may be contagious until 24 hours after starting the course of antibiotics . Since this sport requires close physical contact , the athlete should not practice so that others are not infected .
LICE is a parasitic insect that is spread by direct physical contact between two individuals or by sharing hairbrushes , towels , hats , etc . Symptoms are an itchy scalp and sores on the head or neck . There are treatments but a professional should go through the head and check for nits ( eggs ) and cut out any live ones . The gym should require a doctor ’ s note that certifies that an athlete is lice-free to the best of their knowledge as lice can spread quite quickly .
MONO is an infection that can go unnoticed . It is only contracted by transfer of saliva . Symptoms are fatigue , sore throat , fever , headache , possible swollen spleen , etc . The virus has an incubation period of four to six weeks . The most common complication is an enlarged spleen that could be at risk of rupturing . Due to the nature of our sport ( like when a flyer is caught in a prone position ), All Star athletes are at a higher risk for rupture if the spleen is enlarged . This is why athletes with Mono absolutely should not participate in practice until cleared by a doctor .
VIRAL INFECTIONS like the common cold , cannot be treated with antibiotics and just have to run their course . The athlete may or may not be contagious . Most doctors recommend to stay away from others until the fever has subsided as a fever usually indicates infection .
PREVENTION
You obviously can ’ t guarantee your athlete will not contract one of these , or other illnesses , yet you can take some preventative measures .
• Make sure your gym does not allow knowingly contagious athletes in the facility .
• Pack your athlete ’ s bag with tissues and hand sanitizer and encourage the use the sanitizer before eating .
• Educate your athlete not to share hair brushes / headbands / hair ties , clothing or towels .
• Educate your athlete not to share drinks with others even if they don ’ t seem ill .
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