Showering while infected with COVID-19 is generally considered safe and can provide significant comfort during the isolation period. Maintaining basic personal hygiene remains an important part of self-care and helps prevent secondary infections. For most individuals experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, a shower can be a simple, restorative activity that supports physical and mental well-being. However, the energy expenditure and physical demands of showering require careful consideration due to common symptoms of the illness.
Physical Safety and Energy Conservation
The primary concern when showering with an acute viral illness like COVID-19 is the risk of physical overexertion and sudden lightheadedness. COVID-19 can affect the autonomic nervous system, sometimes leading to orthostatic intolerance or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). This condition causes a rapid heart rate, dizziness, and fatigue when transitioning from a lying or sitting position to standing upright. The warm, steamy environment of a shower can exacerbate this by causing blood vessels to dilate, which can further lower blood pressure and lead to dizziness or a syncopal episode.
To conserve energy, use a shower chair or bench to avoid standing for the duration of the shower. Keep the water temperature lukewarm rather than very hot, as excessive heat increases vasodilation and the risk of feeling faint. Showering should be brief, focusing only on essential cleaning, to minimize energy expenditure. If you are experiencing severe weakness, profound fatigue, or a high fever, ensure another person is nearby or informed before you enter the bathroom. Closely monitor symptoms like heart palpitations, sudden shortness of breath, or increased fatigue, as these signal that the body is being pushed too hard.
Using Steam for Symptom Relief
The warm, moist air created by a shower offers a simple, non-pharmacological way to alleviate several uncomfortable respiratory symptoms. Breathing in the steam helps to moisturize the nasal passages and upper airways, which can become dry and irritated during the infection. The warm vapor works to thin and loosen the thick mucus and secretions that accumulate in the chest and sinuses. This can temporarily relieve nasal congestion, reduce sinus pressure, and make coughing more productive.
To maximize the therapeutic benefit of the steam, close the bathroom door and windows to trap the moisture and heat within the space. Running the hot water for a few minutes before stepping into the shower can help build up a steamy atmosphere quickly. Beyond the physical relief, the warmth and familiar routine of a shower can offer a psychological benefit, providing a moment of comfort and normalcy during a period of illness and isolation. Steam provides symptomatic relief but does not directly treat the viral infection itself.
Hygiene Protocols for Shared Bathrooms
When isolating in a home with a shared bathroom, specific hygiene protocols are necessary to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to non-infected household members. The infected person should use a designated set of towels, face cloths, and other personal items that are not shared. After the infected individual finishes showering, they must immediately clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces contacted. This includes the toilet handle, faucet handles, light switches, and the bathroom doorknob.
Proper ventilation is a crucial step in reducing viral load in the air of a shared space. The infected person should turn on the exhaust fan before, during, and after their time in the bathroom, or open a window if possible, to circulate fresh air. Closing the toilet lid before flushing is a recommended practice to limit the aerosolization of virus particles from the toilet bowl. If possible, the infected person should use the bathroom last in any shared rotation, allowing time for air exchange and surface cleaning.