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

Examining the Safety of Showering While Managing COVID-19 Infection

As COVID-19 continues to spread and evolve, questions remain surrounding appropriate hygiene and self-care practices for those infected. A common query is whether showering is safe or recommended for COVID patients experiencing symptoms.

This article provides research-based guidance on showering and bathing during COVID-19 illness.

Overview of COVID-19 Symptoms

First, it is helpful to understand the array of symptoms driven by COVID-19 viral infection and the bodys immune response. The most common effects reported include:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue and body aches
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Loss of taste/smell
• Congestion and runny nose
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

The combination, severity and duration of symptoms can vary drastically across different cases based on factors like genetics, reinfection status, COVID variant and vaccination status.

Assessing Risks of Standing Water Exposure

For any ill individuals, excessive contact with bath and shower water warrants cautious assessment during infection periods. Here are a few considerations regarding water-based risks:

Exacerbated Respiratory Distress

The steam from hot showers can further irritate lung issues and make breathing more difficult for those already struggling from COVID-caused respiratory symptoms.

Increased Fall Risk

Feeling weak, light-headed or having impaired balance due to fever, fatigue or neurological symptoms amplifies chances of slipping and falling.

Promoting Germ Spread Through Plumbing Systems

While risk is relatively low, emerging research indicates COVID virus particles can be shed in stool and bodily fluids. Proper hygiene and ventilation helps avoid airborne or waterborne circulation.

Precautions for Bathing and Showering

If attempting to bathe a COVID patient at home, strict precautions should be taken to reduce transmission and safety hazards.

Disinfecting the Bathroom

Thoroughly cleaning all sinks, counters, toilets and tub/shower surfaces with EPA approved disinfectants before and after use helps protect individuals.

Ensuring Good Ventilation

Run exhaust fans, open windows and keep doors open during and after bathing to evacuate lingering moisture in the air which can carry viral particles farther.

Sanitizing Plumbing

Flushing pipes before and after showering or bathing, especially in shared buildings, helps clear out residual contamination.

Taking Care After Exiting

The infected individual should dry off and change into clean clothes/robes before leaving bathroom areas after bathing to prevent spreading droplets or moisture potentially carrying viral particles throughout the home.

Warning Signs to Stop Showering

Even with safety measures, showering while sick can quickly become dangerous depending on individual symptoms. Cease bathing right away and seek emergency help for:

• Chest pain or severe shortness of breath
• Feeling faint, actually losing consciousness or collapsing
• Lethargy that prevents exiting shower safely
• Noticeable bluish colored skin, nails or lips indicating oxygen issues
• Struggling for breaths or gasping unrelentingly for air

Alternative Hygiene Support Options

For moderate-severe COVID cases, avoiding full showers reduces drowning and falling risks. Here are some cleaning alternatives:

Medical-Grade Disinfectant Wipes

Washing carefully with antimicrobial cloths controls spread while saving energy required for bathing.

Portable Medical basins

Shallow and secure medical bath basins allow sponge baths in bed with help limiting overexertion.

Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo can temporarily refresh hair between showers without needing water access.

Home Care Isolation Bathroom Tips

For infected individuals isolating at home, experts recommend these additional bathroom and shower precautions during COVID-19 illness:

• Add floor mats in and around shower/tub areas
• Install grab bars inside shower for stability
• Use shower chairs to conserve energy if needed
• Keep phone or call bell in reach for emergencies
• Limit shower times to 5-10 minutes
• Request helper oversight for first few showers when symptoms are more severe

Examining Appropriate Bathing Approaches During Hospitalization

When COVID-19 cases escalate requiring hospitalization, professional medical guidance is necessary for bathing patients.

Benefits of Assisted Hygiene Care

Maintaining cleanliness provides physical and mental benefits for seriously ill patients by:

• Preventing additional skin infections
• Clearing bodily residue which spreads germs faster in immuno-compromised states
• Refreshing patients with clean sheets
• Calming patients through gentle touch when washing

Safely Transporting Patients for Bathing

Moving critically ill patients always poses some safety risks. Hospitals utilize protocols like:

• Performing rigorous infection prevention procedures before and after each transport
• Having specialty isolated ICU showers to avoid exposure while traveling through hospital
• Using secure hospital beds and experienced healthcare staff to maneuver patients
• Closely monitoring vital signs for any transport-related distress

Customized Bath Basins and Bed Baths

The state of each patient dictates the appropriate washing methods. Options include:

• Specialized bathing basins filled and cleaned after every use to prevent cross-contamination
• Enlisting extra staff to carefully turn and wash immobilized patients in bed
• Providing medically supervised showers one patient at a time with disinfection between uses for more stable patients

The Final Takeaway

Bathing and showering during COVID-19 illness merits careful consideration and precaution. The safest choice depends greatly on the severity of each case.

Mild cases isolating at home may continue gentle hygiene with appropriate modifications and monitoring. More severe cases warrant medical advice on ideal washing methods or alternatives to maintain optimal health.

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.