Explained: Can gargling with salt water prevent Covid-19 infection?

📢 Express Explained is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@ieexplained) and stay updated with the latest

Dr Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation of India, noted that there is no scientifically proven evidence yet that such measures work against the virus. “However, this is a respiratory virus that works through the nose to the sinuses and into the throat and into airways and lungs. So basically, apart from handwashing and not carrying the virus to the face, there is nothing wrong in drinking warm water or trying steam inhalation. There is no immediate proof, but potentially there may be some benefit and, anyway, there is no harm in trying it,” Dr Reddy said.

Experts at the National Institute of Virology said these are timely measures but cannot be looked at as a preventive against the virus.

In its advisories, the World Health Organization has pointed out that there is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold. However it has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections. Gargling is a common hygiene measures in several countries and is routinely encouraged with other practices like handwashing and social distancing during the regular flu season.

Gargling can help soothe a sore throat but there is no evidence that the practice will prevent the virus from entering one’s lungs, according to the Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health.

Have a question on the COVID-19 outbreak and what you should/should not do? Write to explained@indianexpress.com

Don’t miss these articles on Coronavirus from the Explained section:

‣ How coronavirus attacks, step by step

‣ Mask or no mask? Why the guidance has been shifting

‣ Besides a face cover, should I wear gloves when I go outdoors?

‣ How the Agra, Bhilwara and Pathanamthitta Covid-19 containment models differ

‣ Can coronavirus damage your brain?