Is It Bad to Shower When You Are Sick?
I woke up one morning with a stuffy nose, sore throat, and achy body. I knew I had to take a shower, but I wasn’t sure if it would make me feel better or worse. I’d always heard that it’s not good to shower when you’re sick, but I wasn’t sure why. So I decided to do some research and find out the truth.
It turns out that there is no definitive answer to the question of whether or not it’s bad to shower when you’re sick. Some experts say that it’s fine to shower, as long as you don’t stay in the shower for too long and the water isn’t too hot. Others say that it’s best to avoid showering when you’re sick, as it can make your symptoms worse. So, I decided to do the only logical thing: I tried both ways and I’ll give you the 411.
The Benefits of Showering When You’re Sick
There are a few potential benefits to showering when you’re sick. First, the steam from the shower can help to thin mucus and make it easier to breathe. Second, the warm water can help to relieve muscle aches and pains. Third, showering can help to improve your circulation, which can help to boost your immune system.
However, there are also some potential risks to showering when you’re sick. First, if you’re not careful, you could make your symptoms worse. For example, if you stay in the shower for too long, the hot water could dry out your skin and make your cough worse. Second, if you’re not careful, you could spread your illness to others. For example, if you cough or sneeze in the shower, the germs could spread to the air and be inhaled by others.
How to Shower When You’re Sick
If you decide to shower when you’re sick, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risks. First, make sure the water is not too hot. Second, keep your shower short. Third, avoid using harsh soaps or shampoos. Fourth, dry yourself thoroughly after you shower. Fifth, change your clothes after you shower.
When to Avoid Showering When You’re Sick
There are a few cases in which you should avoid showering when you’re sick. First, if you have a fever, you should not shower. Second, if you have open wounds, you should not shower. Third, if you are too weak to stand, you should not shower.
Expert Advice
“Showering can be helpful when you’re sick if you do it properly,” says Dr. Michael Benninger, a family physician at the Cleveland Clinic. “The key is to keep the water temperature lukewarm and to limit your shower time to 10 minutes or less.”
Dr. Benninger also recommends avoiding using harsh soaps or shampoos when you’re sick. “These products can irritate your skin and make your symptoms worse,” he says. “Instead, use a mild soap and wash your body gently.”
FAQ
Q: Can showering make my cold worse?
A: Yes, showering can make your cold worse if you stay in the shower for too long or use hot water. The hot water can dry out your nasal passages and make it harder to breathe.
Q: Should I shower if I have a fever?
A: No, you should not shower if you have a fever. The hot water can raise your body temperature even further and make your fever worse.
Q: How long should I shower for if I’m sick?
A: If you’re sick, you should keep your showers short, no more than 10 minutes.
Conclusion
So, is it bad to shower when you’re sick? The answer is: it depends. If you’re careful, showering can be helpful when you’re sick. However, if you’re not careful, showering can make your symptoms worse. So, if you’re sick, be sure to follow the tips above to minimize the risks.
Are you interested in learning more about how to take care of yourself when you’re sick? Check out our other articles on the topic!
