Doctors have been advising steam inhalation and gargling since the beginning of the pandemic to deal with COVID symptoms. A new video surfaced on social media platforms where a doctor claims it leads to virus transmission. Is it true? Read to find out more.
What does the viral video say?
“When patients with COVID do gargling or steam inhalation, they release virus particles in the air. These particles can travel several meters and, they can stay suspended in the air for several hours. This is a major cause of the spread within families and indoor spaces,” said Dr. Tushar Shah in the viral video.
Pulmonologists say steam inhalation and gargling are good
Inhaling steam and gargling does not release any virus back to the atmosphere. This claim is backed by Dr. K Shanmugam, the assistant chief medical officer at Jindal Naturecure Institute. “When there is a cough or sneeze, the droplets carry the virus and transmit infection. The largest droplets settle out of the air rapidly, within seconds to minutes. The smallest very fine droplets, and aerosol particles formed when these fine droplets rapidly dry, are small enough that they can remain suspended in the air for minutes to hours,” he adds.
If small particles of the droplets stay in the air for a few minutes, this is nothing to worry about! Why? Well, patients who test positive for COVID-19 are supposed to isolate and avoid contact with friends and family.
Several doctors, especially pulmonologists are asking people to ignore the viral video. Dr. Vikas Mayura, the director of pulmonology at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, stated that these practices are helpful. They have been in practice across the world for a long time. Steam inhalation helps in soothing the nasal passage, reduces sinus infection, and relieves headaches. Gargling with warm water or warm salt water helps in relieving sore throat, tonsilitis, and other cold-related symptoms.
“Steam helps always but, it is not a cure. Doesn’t matter if you put tulsi, neem, or ginger. If you have COVID-like symptoms or/and have tested positive please consult a doctor. Do not take matters into your own hands. These are temporary relief measures that will make you feel better. But they will not make you negative or cure you,” added Dr. Mayura.