Can I take a shower during the period of having COVID-19?

Generally speaking, "COVID" refers to a coronavirus infection. If a patient's condition has been controlled during the infection, taking a bath is permissible. However, if the patient is still in the acute phase of the illness, bathing is typically not recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the patient promptly follows medical advice after disease onset to alleviate discomfort and symptoms have been controlled, and the patient is no longer in the acute phase of the illness, then light cleansing of the body is acceptable. However, if the patient remains in the acute phase of the disease, symptoms such as dry heaving, diarrhea, and fever may still be present. Bathing at this stage could expose the patient to colds or chills, potentially worsening the condition.

If the patient does not exhibit symptoms such as high fever, chills, or dizziness, taking a warm shower may help improve overall blood circulation, alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and muscle pain, and also aid in relieving fatigue and improving sleep quality. However, attention should be paid to the water temperature—not too high—as excessively hot water could increase the body's burden. Due to overall physical weakness after contracting the coronavirus, individuals may easily experience exhaustion; therefore, bathing time should be limited, generally not exceeding 20 minutes, to avoid excessive sweating and energy depletion.

After bathing, it's important to dry the body promptly and wear warm clothing to prevent catching a chill. Bathing while fasting should be avoided, as it can lead to adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia. It is advisable to bathe half to one hour after eating.