Can you take a bath with a cold?

Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

Updated on May 26, 2025

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Colds are a common ailment in our daily lives, so can we take a bath after catching a cold? This situation requires specific analysis. If the symptoms of the cold are mild, such as just having a slight nasal congestion or sneezing, it is okay to take a bath, but it is advised to avoid catching a chill while bathing. However, if the symptoms of the cold are more severe, such as significant fever and headache, and the body is relatively weak, it is best not to take a bath in such cases to prevent symptoms like fainting.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu

Pulmonology

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How to recover quickly from a cold?

If you have symptoms of a cold, make sure to observe what symptoms are present, such as fever, cough, sputum production, limb soreness, and fatigue. If the symptoms are mild, it is likely just a common cold, which should heal in about seven days. Besides avoiding interventions, it is also important to rest more, drink plenty of water, and promote excretion. At the same time, appropriate outdoor activities and physical exercise can enhance physical fitness and help the disease recover more quickly. Additionally, if the symptoms are severe, besides treating the cause, it is also necessary to take some symptomatic medications to alleviate the symptoms. Also, complementing this with daily life routines and some dietary adjustments can help the disease recover more quickly.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

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The causes of colds and fever

First, it should be correctly understood that a fever is a type of immune response of the body. When the body is infected by bacteria, viruses, chlamydia, mycoplasma, etc., it leads to this kind of immune response, causing fever symptoms. During a fever, the body's blood concentrates in the brain tissues, and other important organs such as the liver, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. Comparatively, the blood supply to the hands, feet, and limbs decreases, which is a protective response. A cold is caused by a viral infection, and inflammation stimulates the body's temperature regulation center, causing a protective reaction. Therefore, there is no need to worry; symptomatic treatment is enough.

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Written by Zou Zhong Lan

Pulmonology

1min 34sec

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The difference between viral and bacterial colds

The main differences between viral and bacterial colds are: First, the pathogens are different. Viral colds are primarily caused by viruses, while bacterial colds are mainly caused by bacterial infections. Second, the characteristics of contagion differ. Viral colds generally have stronger contagiousness, such as influenza, which has distinct characteristics of outbreaks and often occurs seasonally in spring and winter, with a sudden onset. Bacterial colds are less contagious and typically occur sporadically. Third, the symptoms differ. Generally, viral colds mainly present symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, and other upper respiratory catarrhal symptoms. Bacterial colds mainly present with fever, sore throat, tonsillitis, and other symptoms. Fourth, in terms of examinations, a typical hemogram for viral colds usually shows normal or low white blood cells, with an increase in lymphocytes, while bacterial colds often show an increase in white blood cells or neutrophils. Fifth, the treatment approaches differ. Treatment for viral colds primarily includes antiviral therapy, nutritional support, ventilation, and hydration. Bacterial colds are mainly treated with antibiotics and anti-infection therapies.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

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How to relieve a cold headache without medicine

Firstly, you should drink more water to promote metabolism and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to help restore bodily functions. Avoid eating spicy food such as chili peppers and reduce meat consumption. Measure body temperature, you can massage the temples, or drink more ginger sugar water, which can help relieve headaches. If the body temperature rises, you can use warm water to wipe the palms, soles of the feet, neck, and chest. At the same time, apply a cool towel or ice pack to the forehead. Once the temperature normalizes, the symptoms of cold and headache will gradually improve; there is no need to worry too much.

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Written by Yuan Qing

Pulmonology

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The difference between influenza and the common cold

Influenza, also known as the flu, mainly occurs when the human body is invaded by influenza viruses, resulting in symptoms primarily of coughing, fever, and sore throat. Besides these symptoms, influenza can also present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The body temperature of patients often exceeds 39°C or 40°C. On the other hand, the common cold is mostly caused by rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, EB viruses, or even infections from Haemophilus influenzae, leading to relatively localized lesions. Common symptoms of a cold include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, and it may not include fever. The prognosis of the common cold is generally better than that of influenza, and it is less likely to lead to severe complications.