What happens if you wash your hair when have a cold with water?
Washing your hair with cold water when you have a cold will not directly worsen or alleviate the symptoms of the common cold. Getting your head wet in general, whether with cold or hot water, is unlikely to have a significant impact on the course of the cold.
Common colds are caused by viruses and are spread through respiratory droplets. The primary symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and coughing. While nasal irrigation with saline solution can sometimes provide relief for nasal congestion, simply getting water in your hair or ears during a shower is unlikely to affect the underlying viral infection.
Here are a few things to consider when you have a cold:
- Rest: Getting enough rest is essential for allowing your body to fight the infection.
- Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin mucus and keep your throat from drying out.
- Humidity: Adding humidity to the air with a humidifier can help to loosen mucus and relieve congestion.
- Over-the-counter medications: Certain over-the-counter cold and flu medications can help relieve symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion.
If your cold persists for more than a week or if you develop new or worsening symptoms such as difficulty breathing or high fever, it's important to see a doctor.
In general, there's no need to avoid getting your hair wet when you have a cold. However, it's always best to take care of yourself by staying hydrated, resting, and avoiding undue stress during the course of an illness.