Can I Shower Safely If I Have COVID-19? Tips for Hygiene & Preventing Spread

Can I Shower If I Have COVID-19?

Showering is an important part of maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of illness. However, if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you may be wondering if it's safe to shower. The good news is that yes, you can and should shower if you have COVID-19. However, there are some precautions you should take to protect yourself and others.

Is It Safe to Shower If I Have COVID-19?

Showering itself is safe if you have COVID-19. The COVID-19 virus spreads mainly through respiratory droplets that infected individuals produce when they cough, sneeze, talk, or breathe. Water alone will not spread the virus. Additionally, there is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus can be spread through properly treated drinking water, pools, hot tubs, or interactive water facilities like water playgrounds.

However, it's important to avoid close contact with other household members while showering, as the virus can spread between people who are in close proximity. If possible, use a separate bathroom. If you must share a bathroom, disinfect all surfaces after showering and make sure the bathroom has good airflow by turning on the fan or opening a window.

Precautions to Take When Showering with COVID-19

Here are some precautions to take if you need to shower while you have COVID-19:

• Wear a face mask while traveling to and from the bathroom.
• Shower in a bathroom separate from other household members, if possible.
• Exhaust bathroom air using ventilation fans and/or open windows.
• Clean the shower before and after use with EPA-approved disinfectants.
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after showering.

It's also wise to limit the amount of time spent in shared spaces. Take just the time you need to bathe yourself and get out. Lingering in a shared bathroom increases possible exposure.

Tips for Showering Safely with COVID-19

Follow these tips for showering safely when you have COVID-19:

• Wear a mask. Wear a mask on the way to the bathroom and whenever you leave the bathroom. This reduces the chance of respiratory droplets spreading into the air. Change your mask after showering.
• Clean all surfaces. Thoroughly clean and disinfect all shower and sink surfaces before and after showering.
• Wash properly. Lather up with soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinsing thoroughly. Pay extra attention to hands and face.
• Watch your distance. Stay 6 feet away from others while traveling to and from the bathroom. Don't share towels or toiletries with housemates.
• Ventilate the room. Turn on fans and open windows when done showering. Run the fan for 30 minutes before using the bathroom again.

Caring for COVID-19 Symptoms While Showering

Along with routine hygiene, showering offers opportunities to temporarily relieve COVID-19 symptoms like fever, body aches, nasal congestion, and more. Here are some self-care tips:

• Control fever. Take a lukewarm shower to gently lower body temperature and reduce fever.
• Relieve congestion. Inhale steam while showering to open nasal passages and clear mucus.
• Soothe muscle aches. Enjoy a warm shower to loosen stiff, achy muscles from COVID-19.
• Moisturize skin. Use a gentle cleanser and hydrating skin products to prevent dryness.
• Calm coughs. Steam from a hot shower can calm coughing episodes.

Limiting the Spread of COVID-19 While Showering

COVID-19 mainly spreads through exposure to respiratory droplets, so it's key to limit contact with droplets when showering. Here are some tips:

• Shower in your own bathroom if possible, avoiding shared showers.
• Always wear a face mask outside the bathroom to contain droplets.
• Use good bathroom ventilation and allow time for airflow after showering before others enter.
• Thoroughly disinfect all shower surfaces before and after each use.
• Don't share small spaces like bathrooms with housemates if possible.

Carefully containing and ventilating bathroom air while showering goes a long way in reducing COVID-19 transmission risk. Be sure to also avoid sharing personal items like towels and closely follow all isolation guidelines.

What to Do If a Household Member Needs to Shower

If an uninfected person in your household must use the same bathroom, there are steps you can take to lower COVID-19 risk:

• Wait as long as possible after showering before they enter - at least 30 minutes.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all shower surfaces before they enter.
• Turn on fans and open windows to ventilate air.
• Have them wear an N95 mask while traveling to and from the bathroom.
• Have them disinfect the shower again before use.
• Remind them not to touch eyes, nose or mouth before washing hands.

With good ventilation and vigilant disinfection, taking turns using a shared shower can be done with relatively low risk. Still, it's ideal for infected individuals to use a separate bathroom.

When Can I Stop Isolating and Resume Normal Showers?

Isolation should continue until you meet official criteria for ending home isolation:

• At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and
• Other symptoms have improved

For some, loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks after other symptoms have improved. According to CDC guidelines, loss of taste and smell alone doesn't mean someone still needs to remain isolated.

If you had mild to moderate illness from COVID-19, isolation can end after 10 days from when symptoms first appeared, provided symptoms are improving and you're fever-free. More severe cases may have longer isolation periods recommended by healthcare professionals.

The incubation period for COVID-19 ranges from 2-14 days. But 97.5% of people who develop symptoms do so within 11.5 days. Limiting isolation to 10 days minimizes transmission risk while reducing burden.

When your isolation period ends, you can resume showering and bathing normally. Just be sure to continue COVID-19 hygiene and safety practices until the pandemic risk has passed.

Preparing for Your First Post-COVID Shower

Here are some tips as you prepare for your first shower after COVID-19 isolation:

• Give the shower a thorough disinfecting before using.
• Consider replacing your shower loofah/sponge/brush.
• Inspect bathroom ventilation - are fans working properly?
• Open a window or door to maximize airflow.
• Have fresh hand and shower towels ready to use.
• Shower alone if household members are still isolating.

Congrats on making it to the end of your COVID-19 isolation! Enjoy your first post-COVID shower while continuing to protect yourself and loved ones.

When to Call a Doctor About Showering with COVID-19

Most people with mild to moderate COVID-19 can shower safely at home by taking the proper precautions outlined. But call your doctor if:

• You feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing to shower
• You faint or have a medical emergency in the bathroom
• COVID symptoms like fever or breathing issues get worse
• You're at high-risk for complications and have concerns
• You have additional questions about isolating or hygiene

Let your doctor know if you experience any issues showering or bathing safely at home. They can provide guidance on minimizing COVID-19 risk and addressing medical problems.

Use telehealth options whenever possible to avoid exposing others. With the right precautions, most people with mild to moderate COVID-19 can shower independently during isolation. Focus on containing respiratory droplets, diligent cleaning, and ventilation to stay safe.

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.