Can I take a bath on the 8th day after receiving the MMR vaccine if I have a fever?
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
On the eighth day after receiving the MMR vaccine, whether one can take a bath during a fever should be determined based on the severity of the fever and overall physical condition. If the fever is mild and the person is in good spirits, a brief bath may be acceptable. However, if the fever is high or the person feels weak and lethargic, bathing should be avoided. When bathing, ensure the water temperature is comfortable—not too cold or too hot—keep the bathing time short, dry the body and hair promptly afterward, and take proper measures to stay warm.
Whether you can take a bath on the eighth day after receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine depends on the severity of the fever and your overall physical condition. It is generally acceptable to take a moderate bath if the fever is mild and you are in good spirits; however, bathing should be avoided if the fever is high or if you feel weak and unwell. Detailed explanations are as follows:
If the fever is low-grade, with body temperature not exceeding 38.5°C, and you are in good spirits without other discomforts, taking a warm bath is acceptable. A warm bath can help dissipate body heat and relieve discomfort caused by fever. By this time, the injection site has mostly healed, so bathing is unlikely to cause local infection.
If the fever is high, with body temperature exceeding 38.5°C, or accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or chills, bathing should be avoided. At this time, your immune system is weakened; getting chilled during bathing may worsen the fever, and physical weakness could increase the risk of accidents, both of which are detrimental to recovery.
When bathing, ensure the water temperature is comfortable—neither too cold nor too hot. Keep the bathing time short, dry your body and hair promptly afterward, and take care to stay warm. During fever, drink plenty of fluids, maintain good indoor ventilation, and closely monitor changes in body temperature.
