Should You Shower With COVID-19?
As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, many people have questions about how to prevent contracting and transmitting the virus. One common question is: should you shower if you have COVID-19?
Can COVID-19 Spread Through Showers?
Currently, there is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus spreads through water, including water used during showering. The main way COVID-19 spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. So showering itself is not considered a high risk activity for catching or spreading the virus.
However, public showers do carry some risks. If you use a public shower, maintain physical distancing from others. The virus can spread if you breathe in respiratory droplets from an infected person close to you. Additionally, limit contact with public surfaces like faucets and door handles, and wash hands thoroughly after using public facilities.
Should You Shower If You Have COVID-19?
If you have or suspect you may have COVID-19, showering is still recommended for general hygiene. However, be sure to take precautions against spreading the virus within your household.
When showering with COVID-19, the CDC recommends:
- Shower in a separate bathroom from other household members if possible
- Thoroughly disinfect the shower before and after each use
- Wear a face mask if sharing a bathroom with others
Avoid sharing personal items like towels, washcloths, and hygiene products with other members of your household. Wash items thoroughly in hot water after each use. Containing respiratory droplets is key to prevent virus transmission through showers.
How Often Should You Shower?
When well, the average person showers once daily or a few times a week. However, when sick with COVID-19, bathing more frequently may be beneficial to prevent the virus spreading within your home.
The CDC recommends COVID-19 patients bathe or shower regularly, but does not provide exact frequency guidelines. Bathing daily or every other day is likely sufficient in most cases. Showering more often can wash away virus particles and respiratory droplets lingering on your body and help prevent wider contamination.
What's the Appropriate Shower Length?
Most people take showers lasting 5 to 10 minutes. Short showers around 5 minutes are the most efficient for water and energy conservation. However, when sick with illnesses like COVID-19, a slightly longer shower may be prudent.
Spending a few extra minutes showering ensures you thoroughly cleanse your whole body. Take care to gently scrub areas more prone to transmitting viruses and bacteria, especially the hands, underarms, groin, buttocks, and feet.
Allow additional time to disinfect any shower surfaces you contact afterwards as well. Overall, balance thorough cleansing and disinfection with water and energy conservation in mind.
COVID-19 Shower Precautions
Showering itself does not spread COVID-19, but sharing close bathroom quarters can. Take care when showering if you or a household member has COVID-19.
Besides showering carefully, also:
- Sanitize bathroom surfaces frequently
- Wash shower liners, curtains, and mats regularly
- Wear face masks when sharing bathrooms
- Ensure good ventilation by running fans and opening windows
FAQs
Can I catch COVID-19 from the water while showering?
Currently there is no evidence that COVID-19 spreads through water. As long as you maintain distance from infected people, showering itself is low risk for virus transmission.
Should I limit my shower length if I have COVID-19?
No, there is no need to limit normal shower times. Spend enough time bathing to thoroughly wash your whole body and eliminate virus particles that may linger on your skin and hair.
How often should you shower if sick with COVID-19?
Shower at least daily and up to once every other day while recovering from COVID-19. Frequent bathing helps prevent wider contamination within your household by washing away viruses.
What precautions should household members take when sharing a bathroom?
Wear face masks, sanitize surfaces frequently, wash shower liners often, ensure good ventilation, and maintain physical distancing. Try to isolate the infected person to their own bathroom if possible.
Is it safe for COVID-19 patients to take baths?
Yes, taking a bath is safe as long as you follow the same precautions for showers, like maintaining excellent hygiene and thoroughly disinfecting all surfaces after. Limit close contact with housemates when sharing bathrooms.
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.
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