DAN – Diving After COVID-19: What we know today
COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe. Some people have no symptoms at all while others require complicated stays in ICUs with ventilatory support to recover. In addition to the impact of the primary viral infection, factors such as underlying medical conditions, age, secondary complications and more will affect recovery.
COVID-19 shares many features with other serious viral pneumonias and requires a period of convalescence before returning to normal activities. The amount of time needed to recover will vary, as will the long-term effects of COVID-19 such as pulmonary function. As information becomes available it will be incorporated into COVID-19 prevention, treatment and follow-up guidelines.
Determination of your fitness to return to diving after a COVID-19 infection will require assessment by your physician team confirming your full recovery and ability to safely perform unrestricted vigorous activity.
If your doctor needs to consult with a dive medicine specialist, DAN doctors are here to help. We also have a database of dive medicine doctors and can provide referral information.
In addition, we urge all divers who have recovered from COVID-19 infection to call DAN for up-to-date information. As always, continue to follow all recommended precautions and stay safe!
The DAN Emergency Hotline remains in operation 24/7. If you experience an emergency, call the hotline at +1 (919) 684-9111.
DAN World’s Membership Team is available Monday through Friday, 9.00 am – 5:00 pm AEST. For questions, please call +61 3 9886 9166 or email infoap@DAN.org.
Article written by DAN
Photo Credit: DAN
