Gargling with warm saltwater can't save you from coronavirus - CYBERSUGGEST
An image is viral on the
internet which says that one can eliminate the virus by drinking lots of water
and gargling with warm water mixed with salt or vinegar. AFWA has found that
WHO has debunked a similar claim which says that rinsing your nose with saline
will help prevent a coronavirus infection.
With the number of COVID-19
cases surging across the world, many unverified home remedies have emerged on
social media claiming to neutralize the coronavirus. An image carrying one such the remedy is doing the rounds on the Internet saying that one can eliminate the virus
by drinking lots of water and gargling with warm water mixed with salt or
vinegar.
coronavirus |
The text in the viral picture
reads, "Coronavirus before it reaches the lungs it remains in the throat
for four days and at this time the person begins to cough and have throat
pains. If he drinks water a lot and gargling with warm water & salt or
vinegar eliminates the virus. Spread this information because you can save
someone with this information".
As of now, no study says
coronavirus can be cured by drinking lots of water or gargling with warm
saltwater. Though it is true that warm saltwater has long been used as a home
remedy to soothe a sore throat, but till now, there is no evidence that it can
also, ward off the novel coronavirus.
A report by fact-check
website "Snopes" also says that there is no proof that coronavirus
remains in the throat for four days as mentioned in the viral post.
Many users have shared this
post on Facebook and Twitter. The post is also going viral on WhatsApp groups.
According to the World Health
Organization (WHO) and experts, there is no remedy or vaccine at present to
prevent or cure COVID-19. However, as per a report by the "CNN", a
novel coronavirus vaccine trial in the United States has diagnosed a dose to
its first participant. Israel's Institute for Biological Research is also
working to develop a vaccine.
AFWA has found that WHO has
debunked a similar claim which says that rinsing your nose with saline will
help prevent a coronavirus infection. As per the global health body, there is
no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people
from infection.
As of now, WHO and experts
have issued some basic protective measures against the novel coronavirus. These
are:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Maintain social distancing
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Practice respiratory hygiene
- Seek early medical care if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing
- Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider
The Press Information Bureau
(PIB) has also debunked this rumor that coronavirus can be treated by gargling
with warm water mixed with salt and vinegar.
LINK
#Coronavirus CANNOT be treated by gargling with warm water mixed with salt and vinegar.— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) March 16, 2020
This is #fakenews circulating on social media and WhatsApp.
For authentic information on #Coronavirusoutbreak, follow @PIB_India and @MoHFW_INDIA #PIBFactCheck #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/gKUGDBqR9Q
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