Can I wash my hair after testing positive for COVID-19 and then turning negative?
Jan 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and then turned negative can usually wash their hair, but should not do so too early to avoid affecting their health. They should choose an appropriate time based on their individual condition. Maintain hand hygiene by washing hands with running water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and do not spit in public. Open windows appropriately for ventilation.
For patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and then turned negative, it is generally acceptable to wash their hair, but they should not do so too early, as this may affect physical recovery. They should choose an appropriate time based on their individual health condition.
COVID-19 refers to the infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus. After the emergence of the Omicron variant, the virus has become more transmissible and spreads faster, but its pathogenicity has weakened, resulting in less harm to the human body. Common symptoms include fatigue, fever, and dry cough. Most patients respond well to home treatment.
Patients who have turned from positive to negative typically achieve this result after active treatment, confirmed by either a negative antigen test or a negative nucleic acid test for SARS-CoV-2, indicating that they have largely recovered. It is safe to wash hair after turning negative, but patients should wait at least one week. This is because the body is still recovering and immunity remains low; inadequate warming measures, prolonged hair washing, or low indoor temperatures may lead to catching a cold. It is also important to note that bathing should be avoided within ten days of turning negative. Due to individual differences in physical constitution, the ideal timing for hair washing varies. If a patient feels unwell, hair washing is not recommended.
Even after turning negative, patients should maintain good daily habits: practice hand hygiene by washing hands with running water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer; cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and avoid spitting in public; ventilate rooms regularly to ensure indoor air circulation; maintain a positive mindset; and wear masks when going outdoors.
