COVID-19: Can steam inhalation save you from coronavirus - read what experts have to say

Amid the worst outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media is abuzz with wild claims as to how to keep the virus away. One such claim is that steam inhalation can kill coronavirus. 

One such viral post that is doing rounds on the internet says, "If you want to stay safe and kill the coronavirus, which could be hiding inside your nose, then you should start taking steam which will reach to your nose and kill the virus. At 50 degrees celsius, the coronavirus becomes disabled. At 60 degrees celsius, the virus becomes weak, and at 70-degree celsius, the virus dies completely."

The post further reads, "COVID-19 can be killed by inhaling steam from the nose or mouth, eliminating the coronavirus. If all the people started a steam drive campaign for a week, the pandemic will soon end."

To understand whether this claim is false or true first we should know what steam inhalation is?

Steam inhalation is one of the most widely used home remedies to soothe and open the nasal passages and get relief from the symptoms of a cold or sinus infection.

But does steam inhalation help in fighting the COVID-19 virus?

Neither World Health Organization (WHO) nor US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend this treatment for preventing coronavirus. 

On the other hand, several doctors have also warned against steam inhalation and said that in such cases when a person is COVID-19 positive, it could worsen their situation as it could lead to asthma symptoms.

Benefits of steam inhalation

Experts advise that performing steam inhalation may help to decrease the respiratory issues, congestion issues in the nasal passage and airways but it is not found to kill the deadly virus.

According to Healthline, it may help ease feelings of irritation and swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages. The moisture may also help thin the mucus in your sinuses, which allows them to empty more easily.

This can allow your breathing to return to normal, at least for a short period of time.

How to fight COVID-19 virus

Doctors around the world suggest that social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands, and sanitising hands at proper intervals are the only thing to fight with coronavirus.