Can adults with a fever wash their hair?

Nov 22, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Shuwen

Introduction

Fever usually refers to an elevated body temperature. Whether adults with fever can wash their hair depends on various factors. If the adult has a low-grade fever and is in a comfortable environment without excessive coldness, washing hair is generally acceptable. However, if the adult has a high fever causing significant discomfort, such as headache, or is in a cold environment, washing hair is typically not recommended.

Fever usually refers to an elevated body temperature. Whether adults with fever can wash their hair typically depends on several factors, including the severity of the fever, the individual's physical condition, and environmental temperature.

1. Yes – It is generally acceptable

If an adult has a mild fever and the surrounding environment is at a comfortable temperature without being excessively cold, washing the hair is usually permissible. However, it's important to maintain appropriate room and water temperatures during washing to prevent the head from being exposed to cold stimuli, which could cause pores to constrict and hinder the normal release of body heat, potentially worsening or prolonging the fever. Additionally, after washing, the hair should be promptly dried with a towel or a hair dryer to prevent chilling.

2. No – It is generally not recommended

If an adult has a high fever accompanied by noticeable symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and general weakness, or if the environment is particularly cold, washing the hair is typically not advised. During hair washing, the head is often tilted downward, which may intensify discomfort and increase the risk of fainting. Moreover, exposure to cold during washing may further reduce resistance and immunity, potentially exacerbating the fever.

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Is a fever of 38.5°C serious for an adult?

Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. For adults, a fever reaching 38.5°C may not be serious, but it could also indicate a more severe condition; the severity depends on the underlying cause. If the fever is caused by inflammation in the body, a temperature of 38.5°C is usually not serious and can typically be treated under medical guidance with oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime tablets.

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Adult fever above 38°C lasting for one week

An adult with a fever above 38°C lasting for one week may have respiratory system diseases such as viral influenza or acute suppurative tonsillitis, or possibly malignant tumors. The aforementioned symptoms could also be caused by hematological disorders such as pernicious anemia or leukemia. Under a doctor's guidance, vitamin B12 and folic acid may be administered via intravenous injection for conditions like anemia; leukemia requires treatments including molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

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What antipyretic medication should an adult take for a fever of 39°C?

Ibuprofen capsules are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with antipyretic and analgesic effects. Patients experiencing discomfort due to fever may take this medication. Acetaminophen tablets are also suitable for adults with a fever of 39°C, as this drug possesses antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. A fever of 39°C in adults is considered high-grade fever; to prevent worsening of symptoms, indomethacin capsules may be taken.

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What to do for adults with fever and chills: how to reduce fever

For adults with fever and chills, if body temperature does not exceed 38.5°C, use lukewarm water to wipe the soles of the feet, palms, or apply fever-reducing patches. If body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, antipyretic medications such as ibuprofen capsules or acetaminophen tablets may be used. For bacterial infections, add antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime dispersible tablets. For viral infections, add antiviral medications such as ribavirin tablets or oseltamivir granules.