A COVID-19 infection often causes uncomfortable symptoms like nasal congestion, body aches, and a sore throat. Many people seek simple home remedies, and a hot shower is a common choice for viral illnesses, providing comfort and temporary relief. While a steamy shower offers a welcome feeling of relief, it does not treat the underlying viral infection itself. The benefit of a hot shower is purely its capacity to alleviate certain symptoms, not its ability to eliminate the virus.
Viral Inactivation and Body Temperature
The human body’s core temperature is tightly regulated, typically remaining between 97.7°F and 99.5°F (36.5°C and 37.5°C). The temperatures required to reliably inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus are far higher than what the skin or respiratory tract can safely tolerate. Laboratory studies indicate the virus generally requires exposure to 158°F (70°C) for several minutes to be quickly killed.
A typical hot shower temperature, even at its maximum safe setting, is usually below 120°F (49°C), which is significantly lower than the necessary viral inactivation temperature. Furthermore, the heat from an external source cannot penetrate deep enough into the respiratory tract cells where the virus replicates. Attempting to use dangerously hot water to achieve this temperature would result only in severe burns, not a cure for the infection.
Mechanisms of Symptom Relief
The warm, humid environment created by a hot shower provides temporary relief from several common COVID-19 symptoms. Inhaling the steam helps to moisten the respiratory tract, which is often dry and irritated during a viral illness. This moistening effect soothes irritated airways and can help calm a persistent, dry cough.
The warm, moist air is particularly helpful for managing congestion by acting as a natural mucolytic agent. Steam helps to thin the thick mucus that collects in the nasal passages and sinuses, making it easier to expel. This temporarily clears nasal blockage, improving the ability to breathe through the nose. Additionally, the heat encourages blood vessels near the skin’s surface to widen (vasodilation). This widening can relax tense muscles and reduce the discomfort of body aches and muscle soreness associated with fever and fatigue.
Essential Safety Precautions
While a hot shower offers comfort, it poses specific risks when a person is ill with COVID-19. Fatigue, fever, and dehydration can make the body’s systems less stable. The heat from the shower causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure.
This drop in blood pressure, combined with weakness and dehydration, increases the risk of orthostatic hypotension. This condition causes dizziness and lightheadedness upon standing or moving. This effect elevates the chance of fainting or falling, which can result in serious injury in a slippery bathroom environment. To mitigate this risk, keep the shower short and use lukewarm water instead of very hot water. Consider sitting on a shower chair if experiencing significant fatigue or dizziness.
Alternative Non-Pharmaceutical Home Care
Beyond the shower, several other non-pharmaceutical methods can help manage the respiratory and systemic discomfort of COVID-19. Maintaining proper hydration is fundamental, as fever and increased mucus production can lead to fluid loss. Drinking plenty of clear fluids, such as water or broth, helps to keep the throat moist and thins respiratory secretions. Other effective methods include:
- Using a cool mist humidifier in the bedroom to introduce moisture into the air, preventing the nasal passages and throat from drying out.
- Using saline nasal sprays or rinses, which mechanically flush out thick mucus and irritants from the nasal cavity.
- Gargling with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat by temporarily reducing swelling and washing away irritants.