Can You Shower With COVID-19?
Taking a shower when you have COVID-19 is generally considered safe, and may even provide some symptom relief. However, there are some precautions you should take to protect others if you share a bathroom.
Is It Safe to Shower If I Have COVID?
Yes, showering is safe if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms and are isolating. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the virus is unlikely to spread through properly treated drinking water or sewer systems.
The water and soap used for bathing and showering should efficiently wash away any virus that might be on your body, preventing it from spreading through things you touch in the bathroom. Proper hand washing hygiene should be maintained as well.
Should I Shower to Relieve COVID Symptoms?
Showering can provide relief for some common COVID-19 symptoms including:
- Body aches and pains
- Sweating and chills from fever
- Congestion from stuffy nose
- Soothing discomfort from cough or sore throat
The warm water can relax tense muscles and loosen mucus, while also rinsing virus particles from your skin and hair. Showering may provide both physical and mental relief when you are not feeling well.
Precautions for Showering With COVID
If you share a bathroom with others in your household, take precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19 while showering including:
- Wear a mask to, from, and in the bathroom
- Use your own towels and avoid sharing other items
- Clean all surfaces after showering
- Allow good ventilation by running the fan
- Take a quick shower if sharing a small bathroom
Isolate personal items like your toothbrush from use by others. Follow any additional recommendations from health agencies as well.
How Can Showering Provide COVID Muscle Aches and Pains Relief?
Body aches are one of the most common symptoms with both initial COVID-19 illness and potential long-term effects. The type and location of muscle pains can vary greatly among different people.
How Can Showering Help COVID-Related Muscle Pain?
A warm shower can provide several types of relief for muscle aches including:
- Improved circulation - Warm water helps expand blood vessels, improving flow to reduce stiffness, soreness, and pain.
- Relaxation - The overall sensation and comfort of a shower can relax tense muscles, lowering aches.
- Massaging warm water - Similar to a heating pad, the pulsing stream can massage areas of muscle tightness and discomfort.
Targeted Stretching and Massage in the Shower
Some additional tips to maximize muscle pain relief while showering include:
- Gently stretch and move stiff, sore areas under the stream
- Use your hands or a washcloth to gently massage painful spots
- Adjust the water temperature and pressure as needed
- Focus the stream on specific areas of discomfort
- Take a little extra time if needed for relief
A shower can almost function like a heating pad, portable massage, and passive stretch all-in-one for temporary pain relief during COVID-19 illness and recovery.
Other Home Remedies for COVID Muscle Aches and Pains
In combination with showering, you can try these other home treatments to get relief from muscle aches due to COVID:
Over-the-Counter Medications
Medications like acetaminophen and NSAIDs reduce pain, fever, and inflammation that contribute to muscle aches. Use as directed for your age and health condition.
Heating Pads
Heating pads applied to sore COVID muscles improve circulation and loosen tightness. Use for 15-20 minutes several times a day being careful not to burn your skin.
Ice Packs
Ice can relieve pain and swelling in coronavirus muscle aches. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 10-15 minutes a few times a day.
Light Stretching and Exercise
Gentle yoga, stretching, and light exercise like walking can ease stiffness and pains. However, rest is extremely important if symptoms are severe.
Healthy Eating and Hydration
Proper nutrition and hydration supports muscles health. Make sure to eat a balanced diet and drink fluids regularly when recovering from COVID.
Use a combination of at-home remedies, over-the-counter medications as needed, lots of rest, and shower therapy to help address muscle discomfort while you recover from COVID-19.
FAQs
Can I catch COVID-19 from the water while showering?
No, you cannot catch COVID-19 from properly treated water sources like taps and showers. The virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, not water.
Is showering with COVID-19 safe if I live with others?
Yes, showering is safe even if you share a bathroom if you take precautions. Wear a mask, clean all surfaces after use, allow ventilation, and isolate your personal items. Inform housemates when you plan to shower.
Can showering help my COVID muscle pain?
Yes, warm shower water can relax muscles, increase circulation, massage sore areas, and ease COVID-19 related body aches and pains.
Can I exercise while I have COVID-19?
Very light exercise like gentle stretching may help ease muscle soreness from COVID-19. However, most experts recommend not exercising and focusing on rest while you have an active coronavirus infection.
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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