Is it right or wrong to take bath during fever? Know from doctors the science of hot or cold water, what to do and what mistakes to avoid

During change of weather or any seasonal viral infection, the body starts feeling sticky and weak due to high fever, body ache and heavy sweating. In such a situation, this question often arises in the minds of people whether it is safe to take bath in case of fever or will it worsen the disease due to cold?

In household beliefs, it is often advised to completely avoid bathing during fever, but the view of modern medical science is quite different from this. According to physicians, bathing during fever is not only completely safe, but if done properly, it proves to be very helpful in reducing the increased body temperature rapidly, removing muscle stiffness and mentally refreshing the patient. However, the temperature of the water and the method of bathing play the most important role in this.

When they have fever, many people make the big mistake of taking a bath with cold water or ice water to cool the body. According to doctors, this can prove to be extremely dangerous:

• Vasoconstriction: As soon as cold water hits the skin, the external blood arteries of the body immediately contract. Due to this, heat stops escaping from the skin surface and the core body temperature increases further.

• Shivering: Very cold water shocks the nervous system, due to which the patient starts shivering violently. Shivering is actually a defense mechanism of the body which causes the muscles to move rapidly to warm the body. As a result, instead of decreasing, the fever goes up.

According to doctors, to take bath during fever Lukewarm water (warm water) The most ideal option is:

• The temperature of lukewarm water should be close to or slightly below normal body temperature (about 37°C or 98.6°F).

• This water keeps the blood arteries of the skin normal, due to which the excess heat of the body comes out naturally through sweat and evaporation.

• Lukewarm water provides instant relief by loosening severe body aches, headaches and muscle stiffness that occur during fever.

If the patient is very weak, dizzy, or has a body temperature higher than 102°F, taking him to the bathroom and bathing him may be risky. in such a situation sponging The safest way is:

• Soak a clean cotton cloth or towel in lukewarm or normal tap water and wring it out.

• Wipe the patient’s forehead, neck, armpits, palms and soles of the feet gently. In these areas, major blood vessels are close to the skin, allowing the body temperature to drop quickly and safely.

• Keep in mind that never mix rubbing alcohol in water, because its vapor can become toxic if inhaled into the body.

It is essential to follow these basic medical precautions for a safe recovery:

• Do not take bath for a long time: Don’t spend more than 5 to 10 minutes in the bathroom. Staying in water for a long time reduces the body’s energy rapidly.

• Dry immediately: Immediately after bathing, dry the body and hair thoroughly with a dry towel and immediately wear loose, comfortable cotton clothes. Do not sit in direct air of fan or AC with wet hair.

• Protection from cold wind: Keep the room temperature normal after bathing. Keep the AC at 25-26°C and do not lie directly in front of the cooler.

• Maintain Hydration: After bathing, drink lukewarm water, soup, ORS or coconut water so that the water loss due to sweat can be compensated.