When you hear the word “colds,” people usually think of a certain type of cold: the watery, buildup-filled kind that makes your throat itch and your nose run; the one that can seem to follow you around from place to place, sniffing for an excuse to be sick. But what about the coughs, chills, and fever that accompany it? Are these also signs that you’re battling a cold? According to research by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, more than 60 million Americans are infected with the bacteria that causes colds each year. And while air-conditioning and heat-based humidifiers may ease symptoms in some cases, they can also trigger a snowballing outbreak by boosting the bug’s humidity levels. So is showering before bedtime really necessary? And if so, how does it help fight off colds? Let us know in the comments!
Do hot showers help with colds?
The short answer is yes; hot showers can help you manage cold symptoms and make you feel better. That said, the associated benefits are more than just anecdotal – research has shown that there is actually some science behind the purported health benefits of taking a hot shower.
Why Do Hot Showers Help With Colds?
- Hot showers can help ease congestion and clear your nasal passage. The hot steam helps to thin out mucus, which makes it easier for you to blow your nose. The warm temperature also relaxes the airways, allowing them to open up more easily.
- Hot showers can help alleviate muscle aches and pains caused by colds. The warmth of a hot shower helps to relax tense muscles and can help you feel more comfortable.
- Hot showers can help boost your immune system. The heat helps to kickstart the body’s natural healing process and promotes circulation, which in turn strengthens the immune system and helps it fight off infection.
- Hot showers can help you to relax and get some much-needed rest. The warmth helps to soothe aching muscles, promotes relaxation, and can help you fall asleep more easily.
- Hot showers can relieve stress. Stress is one of the biggest causes of colds and other illnesses, but taking hot showers in order to relax can help your body cope better with stress.
- Hot showers can open up your pores, which helps to reduce sweat and oils that can make you feel uncomfortable during a cold. This also helps to reduce the chance of skin irritation caused by sweating too much.
- Hot showers can help to boost circulation, helping to reduce inflammation and aid in the healing process. Increased circulation will also help to flush out toxins from your body, which can help to improve overall health and well-being.
- Hot showers can improve mental clarity and focus. Taking a hot shower can help to reduce stress levels, clear your mind, increase concentration, and boost cognitive functioning.
- Hot showers can help to reduce the severity of cold symptoms like coughs, sore throats, and headaches. The heat helps to loosen up mucus in your throat and chest and can reduce inflammation which will make it easier for you to breathe.
- Finally, hot showers help to improve overall well-being by helping your body to relax. Relaxation can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and give you an overall sense of calmness. Taking a hot shower can also be therapeutic in its own way and provide a much-needed break from the chaos of everyday life. All these benefits combined make hot showers a great remedy for treating colds. So next time you’re feeling under the weather, try taking a hot shower and see if it helps. Who knows, it could be just what your body needs.
What’s The Difference Between A Cold And A Flu?
1. Cold vs. Flu:
The common cold and the flu may seem similar, but they are actually two different illnesses. Colds are generally milder than the flu, with symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, and congestion. Flu symptoms tend to be more severe and include fever or chills, headache, body aches, fatigue, and dry cough.
2. How Contagious They Are:
Both a cold and the flu are caused by viruses that can spread from person to person through the air or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. The flu is more contagious than a cold and can spread quickly from person to person. You’re much more likely to get a cold than the flu, however, since the viruses spread differently.
3. How Long They Last:
The cold symptoms usually last between three and five days but can persist for up to two weeks or longer. The flu usually has a shorter duration of four to six days but can cause severe symptoms for up to two weeks. It’s possible to feel some lingering effects of the flu, such as fatigue and weakness, for a few weeks after the illness has passed.
4. Treatment:
Because viral infections cause colds and the flu, antibiotics won’t help. The best way to treat both illnesses is with rest and over-the-counter medications like decongestants and ibuprofen to relieve symptoms. If your symptoms don’t improve or become more severe, you should contact your doctor for further advice.
5. Prevention:
The best way to avoid getting a cold or the flu is to get vaccinated each year. You should also take steps to prevent the spread of viruses, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face. If you do get sick, it’s important to take steps to avoid spreading the illness to others by staying home and limiting contact with other people.
The Health Benefits Of Showering
1. Showering helps to decrease stress.
Taking a hot shower can act as an instant relaxation tool, calming the mind and reducing stress hormones in the body. It is often said that a shower can help to clear your head after a long day or stressful situation, improving your overall mental health and well-being.
2. Showering can help to improve circulation.
The warmth of the water helps to relax your muscles, which in turn can increase the flow of oxygen throughout the body. This improved circulation can also be helpful in soothing sore and aching muscles after physical activity, allowing for quicker recovery.
3. Showering can boost immunity.
Studies have shown that showering can help to increase the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infection and viruses. Taking regular showers can help keep your immune system strong, helping you stay healthy and preventing illnesses from occurring.
4. Showering can help improve skin health.
The warm water helps to hydrate the skin, improve circulation in the skin, and wash away any dirt or bacteria that may cause clogged pores and breakouts. Regular showering can also help to improve your complexion and give you a healthy and radiant glow.
5. Showering can be beneficial for hair health as well.
The warm water helps to open up the cuticles of the scalp, allowing for better absorption of the shampoo and conditioner. This, in turn, can help to keep your hair looking healthy, shiny, and full of life.
The Side Effects Of Showering
1. Skin Irritation:
Washing your skin with hot water or showering too often can strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and irritated. This is especially true if you are using harsh soaps and cleansers that contain heavy perfumes. To avoid this, use warm water and a mild body wash or soap to cleanse your skin.
2. Hair Damage:
Showering too often, and using hot water, can strip natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Use lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing your hair too vigorously when showering. Don’t forget to apply a moisturizing conditioner after rinsing out your shampoo.
3. Respiratory Issues:
Taking hot showers can increase your risk of respiratory problems, including irritation of the lungs and nasal passages. This is especially true for people who suffer from asthma or allergies. To reduce this risk, avoid using scented body washes and soaps, as well as taking longer showers that involve breathing in hot steam.
4. Bacterial Growth:
Taking longer showers can result in a build-up of bacteria on the walls and floors of your bathroom, especially if you forget to clean and disinfect regularly. This can lead to an increased risk of skin infections and other health problems. To reduce this risk, keep your shower time as short as possible and make sure your bathroom is regularly cleaned.
5. Water Consumption:
Taking long hot showers can lead to an increase in water consumption, resulting in higher utility bills and putting a strain on the environment. To reduce this risk, take shorter showers and use cold or lukewarm water instead of hot. You can also install low-flow shower heads to reduce water consumption.
The Final Words
Showers, whether you take them in bed or out, are a great way to get rid of the flu, cold, or any infection. While there are many ways to help fight off a cold, showering is one of the easiest and most effective ways to rid your body of bacteria. Let’s all try to stay healthier!
