An increased body temperature or fever can occur as a response of the body to fight against illness or infection. During a fever, the body temperature rises as part of its defense mechanism, making it difficult for viruses and bacteria to survive. The body's metabolism increases, leading to the burning of calories. This can cause the body to feel weak and lethargic during a fever. The normal body temperature ranges from 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, and anything above that can be considered a fever. When experiencing a fever, some people choose to avoid bathing, as they are concerned that it may worsen their condition.

When experiencing a fever, the body tends to produce a lot of sweat, which can make us feel uncomfortable due to the stickiness. Taking a bath may be the appropriate way to cleanse the body. Avoiding bathing is also not advisable as it can be unhealthy for the body. It is recommended to take a warm shower because its benefits are similar to applying a compress. Bathing is believed to help lower fever, but it's better to avoid using cold water during the bath. Just like with a compress, using cold water alone is not recommended, especially when taking a shower that rinses our entire body. Taking a normal or cold shower can actually cause the body to shiver due to the sudden temperature change on the body.

The heat of the body meeting the coldness of the water can actually worsen the fever. That's why, when experiencing a fever, it is advisable to take a shower with warm water, as it can help the body relax and open up the body's pores, aiding in the release of body heat and facilitating a faster reduction of the fever. Warm water can expedite evaporation due to the dilation of blood vessels, which opens up the pores. On the contrary, taking a cold shower can cause vasoconstriction or the narrowing of blood vessels. Vasoconstriction prevents evaporation in the skin pores, thereby trapping the internal body heat and preventing it from escaping and evaporating.

Try taking a shower using warm water, not too hot, but at a comfortable temperature as recommended. By doing so, it is hoped that bathing with warm water can help alleviate the fever.