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Diving after COVID-19 – Update from Coronavirus Survivor Douglas Ebersole MD

Published

5 years ago

on

By Douglas Ebersole, MD – Medical Director for RAID

I am a dive industry professional and a COVID-19 survivor.  I am sharing my story in hopes of decreasing the fear these days in the diving community.  In my  “real job” as a cardiologist and while wearing my N95 mask a few weeks ago, I was exposed to a severely ill patient that subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.  He ended up in the ICU for a few days, but did not require a ventilator.  He was discharged home after a two-week hospital stay and is doing well.

I began having symptoms of fatigue, shaking chills, and fever to 102 degrees about 10 days after my exposure and tested positive for COVID-19.  I had no shortness of breath, a normal oxygen saturation, and a normal chest x-ray.  I was one of the fortunate ones with symptoms no worse than a bad case of the flu. After 10 days of quarantine at home, my symptoms resolved though my exercise tolerance was decreased.  My usual exercise regimen is 30 minutes on a stair master and 30 minutes on an exercise bike 3-4 times per week, but after COVID-19 I fatigued doing minimal yard work.

As gyms are closed in Florida, I used my home rowing machine to get back into shape.  After a week I was able to row 30 minutes per day without symptoms.  As I have access to a treadmill and a pulse oximeter, I exercised on my office treadmill after work with good exercise tolerance and no decrease in my oxygen saturation.  As a result, I plan to return to diving as soon as Florida opens up the marinas and state parks.  I will start with shallow no-decompression diving and slowly build back up to decompression diving, cave diving, etc.

Recently, a report of six divers in Austria who had severe lung changes on CT scans several weeks after COVID-19 despite feeling well has been widely circulated on social media.  While this is interesting and suggests further studies are needed, no firm conclusions can be drawn from such a small number of patients with such a short follow-up period.  While we do not have enough data yet to make any firm conclusions about the effect of COVID-19 on divers or when infected divers can safely return to scuba diving, it is unlikely that it will be a “one size fits all” approach.  For now, we should all be aware that while COVID-19 is usually a mild disease in young healthy individuals, others can become severely ill and even die despite having no underlying medical problems.

We should all follow CDC guidelines, practice social distancing, wear masks in public, etc. in an effort keep ourselves and others safe.  If despite this, a diver contracts the virus, he or she should wait for resolution of symptoms, then increase their exercise as tolerated, and see a physician knowledgeable in diving medicine prior to returning to scuba diving. Finally, please get your diving information from organizations like Divers Alert Network, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, and the South Pacific Underwater Medical Society instead of from social media!  Safe diving everyone!

Douglas Ebersole, MD is an interventional cardiologist at the Watson Clinic LLP in Lakeland, Florida and is the Director of the Structural Heart Program at Lakeland Regional Health. He has been diving since 1974 and is an avid recreational diver, technical diver, rebreather diver, and cave diver.  He is also a recreational, technical, and rebreather instructor for several training agencies.  Additionally, he is a cardiology consultant to Divers Alert Network, the medical director for RAID, and is on the Board of Advisors for IANTD and the Training Advisory Panel for TDI/SDI.  In his spare time, he is the Florida Sales agent for KISS Rebreathers.

Source: www.divenewswire.com

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Sea & Sea to Host VIP Event with BARE at Fin Divers in Stevenage in December

Published

58 mins ago

on

November 25, 2024

By

drysuits

Sea & Sea is excited to announce an exclusive VIP event at Fin Divers on Saturday, 7th December 2024. Running from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the event will feature representatives from BARE, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore their premium range of drysuits and receive expert advice from knowledgeable staff.

This special event invites divers to try on BARE drysuits, learn more about their features, and have any questions answered by specialists. For those unable to attend, Sea & Sea welcomes inquiries at sales@sea-sea.com to ensure no one misses out on this incredible opportunity.

Exclusive Promotion

Attendees who purchase one of the following BARE drysuits—available in Stock, Made-to-Order (MTO), and Made-to-Measure (MTM)—will receive complimentary gear to enhance their diving experience:

  • X-Mission Evolution*
  • Expedition HD2 Tech Dry
  • Trilam Tech Dry
  • Trilam Pro Dry
  • Sentry Tech Dry
  • Sentry Pro Dry
  • Guardian Tech Dry
  • Guardian Pro Dry

Bonus Items Included with Purchase:

  • Cuff Rings with Latex or Silicone Wrist Seals and neck rings
  • Ultrawarmth Base Layer Top and Bottom

Don’t miss this chance to upgrade your dive gear and take advantage of expert insights. Join Sea & Sea at Fin Divers in Stevenage for a day dedicated to innovation and superior diving solutions.

For more information, contact:
Sea & Sea
Email: sales@sea-sea.com

Sea & Sea is the home of BARE and other Huish Outdoors diving brands in the UK.

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Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition

Published

3 days ago

on

November 22, 2024

By

curacao

Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.

Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities

With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.

curacao

Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators

This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.

curacao

Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure

Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.

curacao

Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages

This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.

It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!

Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.

For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.

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