Why Taking Hot Baths When Sick Can Make You Feel Worse — And What to Do Instead
A hot bath can feel comforting when you’re sick, especially when you’re shivering, congested, or achy. But if you have a fever or are already dehydrated, very hot water may make you feel worse.
1. It can add more heat to an already overheated body
A fever happens because the body’s internal temperature set point has risen as part of the immune response. Sitting in very hot water adds external heat and can make you feel hotter and more uncomfortable.
A bath doesn’t “sweat the illness out.” Your body still needs time to deal with the underlying infection.
2. You may become more dehydrated
Illness and fever can already increase fluid loss. Vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or simply drinking less can make dehydration worse. Adding prolonged exposure to very hot water can increase sweating and make dizziness or weakness more noticeable.
Signs of dehydration include dark urine, urinating less often, unusual tiredness, dizziness, and excessive thirst.
3. You may feel dizzy or faint
Hot environments can contribute to blood-vessel dilation and can make some people feel lightheaded, particularly when they are ill or dehydrated.
That’s also why it’s sensible to get out of a hot bath slowly rather than standing up suddenly.
4. “The hotter, the better” isn’t true
You don’t need extremely hot water to get relief from aches or congestion.
If you simply want a bath or shower because it feels soothing, comfortably warm—not very hot—is a better choice when you’re sick.
For a fever, medical guidance generally favors a lukewarm bath or sponge bath if cooling is needed. Cold baths and ice can cause shivering, which can actually increase discomfort and interfere with cooling.
What to do instead
If you’re sick with a fever or flu-like illness:
- Drink plenty of fluids and take frequent small sips if you’re nauseated.
- Rest rather than trying to “sweat out” the infection.
- Wear light, comfortable clothing and avoid excessive blankets.
- Keep the room comfortably cool.
- If a bath feels good, choose lukewarm or comfortably warm water, not scalding water.
- For congestion or a dry throat, a steamy shower may provide temporary symptom relief, although it doesn’t treat the infection itself.
- If you’re uncomfortable from fever, appropriate fever-reducing medicine may help; follow the product directions and check with a healthcare professional if you have other medical conditions or take other medicines.
