Is It Safe to Shower with COVID-19? Tips for Hygiene and Preventing Infection

Assessing Your Condition Before Showering

The first step is evaluating your current COVID-19 symptoms and condition. Those experiencing milder cases may shower normally by taking appropriate precautions. However, some situations require avoiding showers temporarily:

Severe Fatigue and Weakness

Extreme fatigue is a common COVID-19 symptom. Showering takes energy and may worsen fatigue or cause exhaustion. Wait until you regain some strength before showering.

Difficulty Breathing or Standing

Shortness of breath and respiratory difficulties are common with COVID-19. For those experiencing breathing problems or who get winded easily, showering may exacerbate symptoms. Wait until breathing improves before showering.

Dizziness or Fainting

Some people experience dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting with COVID-19, due to fever, dehydration or fatigue. Since showers increase risk of falling and injury, avoid showering if you have these symptoms.

Coughing Fits

Frequent, severe coughing can make showering excessively difficult and tiring. Wait to shower until coughs become less frequent or not as prolonged.

Safety Tips for Showering with COVID-19

If you feel well enough for a shower, keep these safety tips in mind:

Shower Chair

Use a shower seat or chair to conserve energy and lower fall risk. A chair allows resting while showering.

Quick Showers

Take shorter showers to avoid fatigue. 5-10 minutes maximum recommended. Get in, wash up, and get out.

Lukewarm Water

Avoid hot showers, as this can worsen lightheadedness or breathing issues. Lukewarm water is gentler.

Company Nearby

Have someone nearby in case you need help, like with dizziness or shortness of breath.

Remove Tripping Hazards

Eliminate slip and fall hazards by using non-slip mats, grab bars, and removing clutter.

Hydration and COVID-19 Shower Precautions

Dehydration is a common problem with COVID-19. Be mindful of hydration before, during and after showering:

Hydrate Before

Drink fluids like water, juice or electrolytes before showering to optimize hydration.

Avoid Hot Water

Hot showers lead to fluid loss. Warm or lukewarm water instead.

Moisturize After

Apply moisturizer post-shower to retain skin hydration. Opt for hydrating cleansers.

Rehydrate After

Drink more fluids after showering to replenish any fluids lost.

Infection Control and Cleaning

Proper cleaning and disinfection helps lower COVID-19 transmission risk when showering:

Disinfect Surfaces

Disinfect shower handles, faucets, soap dishes and any high-touch surfaces before and after showering.

Ventilation

Run exhaust fans and open windows if possible to ventilate restrooms when showering.

Sanitize Shower

Clean shower walls, floors and curtains thoroughly after each use.

Don't Share

Avoid sharing personal items like loofahs, razors or towels with others.

When to Avoid Showers

While showering with COVID-19 is often safe, some situations require avoiding it entirely:

Severe Difficulty Breathing

Refrain from showering if you have severe shortness of breath or respiratory distress.

High Fever

Very high, uncontrolled fevers can increase risk when showering. Wait until fever improves.

Chest Pain

Chest pain can signal a COVID-19 complication. Avoid showers and seek medical care.

Confused Mental State

Altered mental status or confusion increases falling risk. Shower when thinking clearly again.

The Benefits of Showering for COVID-19 Recovery

Despite potential risks, showering offers benefits that can promote COVID-19 recovery:

Infection Prevention

Showering removes virus particles and helps prevent spread to others.

Congestion Relief

Steam loosens mucus, clearing nasal congestion and sinus pressure.

Sore Muscle Soothing

Warm water relaxes achy muscles and body aches from COVID-19.

Mental Health Boost

Showers provide comfort and refreshment, improving mood and outlook.

Fever Management

Lukewarm water helps lower body temperature from COVID-19 fever.

Bottom Line

Showering during COVID-19 illness offers substantial benefits, but also potential risks. Careful precautions allow optimizing cleanliness and comfort gains while minimizing any dangers. Listen to your body, take it slow, get help if needed, and showering can be safe and advantageous for COVID-19 recovery.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.