Showering with COVID-19: Risks & Precautions

Should You Shower If You Have COVID-19?

When you are sick with COVID-19, self-care is essential for recovery. Proper hygiene, including bathing and showering, can help you feel better physically and emotionally. However, with COVID there are also unique considerations regarding if, when, and how often to shower.

Benefits of Showering with COVID-19

Showering while you have COVID-19 can offer several potential benefits:

Keeps you clean - Showers wash away germs, sweat, and dirt that can accumulate when sick in bed.
Refreshes physically and mentally - The warmth and routine can energize and uplift.
Relieves congestion - Steam from hot showers can temporarily clear nasal congestion.
Lowers fever - Warm water will lower skin temperature and provide relief from fever.
Hydrates skin - Hot steam and moisture hydrate and soothe dry, itchy skin.
Prevents bed sores - Keeps skin clean and dry to avoid painful sores from lying in bed.

Risks of Showering with COVID-19

However, showering with COVID does come with some potential risks to consider:

Fall risk - Dizziness, fatigue, weakness raise chances of falling and injury.
Spreading germs - High touch surfaces in bathroom can spread virus to others in home.
Dehydration - Fever and increased sweating can lead to dehydration.
Difficulty breathing - Steam can make congestion and breathing difficulties worse.
Low oxygen - Standing and exertion can worsen low oxygen levels for some patients.
Exhaustion - Physical exertion can be extremely tiring and drain energy needed to recover.

Precautions for Showering with COVID

If you feel up to showering, take the following precautions to lower risks:

Use shower chair - Sitting reduces fall risk and exertion.
Keep it brief - Limit time in shower to conserve energy and prevent dehydration.
Use warm water - Very hot water can worsen breathing difficulties.
Bring water - Keep hydrated by bringing water into the bathroom.
Monitor oxygen - Use a pulse oximeter to watch for oxygen desaturation.
Disinfect surfaces - Clean any high touch surfaces before and after showering.
Ask for help - Have someone assist if very weak or dizzy.

How Often to Shower with COVID-19

When showering with COVID-19, less can often be more. Daily showers are not essential when sick. Key factors to consider are:

Symptom severity - The sicker you feel, the more intervals between showers may be needed.
Fever - Shower to lower high fevers causing discomfort or chills.
Body odor/sweating - Shower when needed if excessive sweating or odor occurs.
Skin flaking/itching - More frequent, shorter showers can help with dry skin.
Mood boost - If feeling depressed or isolated, shower for mental refresh.

Listen to your body. As a general guide, showering every 2-3 days is often suitable for COVID-19 patients managing fatigue.

Alternatives to Showering with COVID

For those who should avoid showering due to risks, alternatives include:

Sponge baths - Use warm water and washcloth to spot clean.
Dry shampoo - Absorbs oil and makes hair look freshly washed.
Body wipes - Disposable wipes let you wash up in bed.
Bed baths - Have someone assist in cleaning your body in bed.
Sitz baths - Shallow baths for cleaning only lower body and private parts.

When to Avoid Showering with COVID-19

Avoid showering if you have any of the following:

Difficulty breathing or low oxygen levels
Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
Need to monitor medical devices like oxygen
Very high fever with chills and shaking
Extreme fatigue where standing is difficult
History of falls or unsteady walking

Speak to your doctor to determine if it’s medically safe to shower based on your condition and symptoms.

Tips for Showering with COVID-19

If showering, follow these tips to stay safe:

Go slowly - Take your time and don't rush movements.
Use non-slip mat - Avoid falling on slippery tub surfaces.
Wash with mild soap - Avoid harsh soaps that dry skin.
Shampoo hair over tub - Prevent dizziness by keeping head tilted back.
Use shower chair - Sit to conserve energy and lower fall risk.
Open curtain - Allow airflow to prevent steam buildup.
Leave door open - Makes it easier to call out for help if needed.

After Showering with COVID-19

Be sure to follow these steps when you finish showering with COVID-19:

Dry off thoroughly - Prevent chills and change into fresh pajamas.
Drink fluids - Rehydrate with water or electrolytes.
Rest - Return to bed and conserve energy.
Disinfect - Sanitize any surfaces touched to prevent transmission.
Moisturize - Apply lotion to counter drying effects of shower.
Monitor health - Check temperature, oxygen levels, breathing status.

The Bottom Line

Showering while sick with COVID-19 can provide refreshing benefits. However, it also carries health risks to be cautious about. Listen to your body and talk to your doctor. Take it slow and use precautionary measures if attempting to shower. And remember, it's perfectly okay to avoid showering while acutely ill - hygiene can take a backseat to rest and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get COVID from showering at the gym?

The risk of catching COVID-19 from showering at a gym is believed to be extremely low. However, it's impossible to completely eliminate risk when sharing any high-touch public facilities. Using your own shower supplies and wearing shoes can provide added protection.