What we can do :
During the incubation phase, since the spread in mostly through the nasal and throat area, it will be beneficial for the entire population to keep nasal and throat hygiene regardless of whether infected or not. Following are few suggestions to keep nasal and throat hygiene
- Wear masks and clean hands: Needless to emphasize more on this - please wear masks and follow hand hygiene
- Gargle: Twice a day gargle with warm water along with Betadine [3] or Salt [18] or Turmeric [20] or Ginger [6] or Honey [7]
- Steaming: Follow controlled steam inhalations. Use caution to avoid burns and consult Doctors as needed. Reference [22]
- Supplements & Exercise: Take supplements as needed (Vitamins, Chyavanaprash); Along with exercise, Yoga, Breathing exercise (pra’n’a’ya’m), consuming hot water as needed
Note: Although gargling, steaming techniques may not kill the virus, they have been found effective in reducing viral load in the throat, removing irritants and other bacteria, providing relief and beneficial in halting SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in the upper airway mucosae during the initial stages of infection and possibly preventing further spread [17], [18], [22]
Further collaborations needed
- Study half life of COVID virus on various household herbs like turmeric, neems etc, in both surface and aerosol forms [eg. 23]
- Establish efficacy of Gargle, Steaming and any other preventive methods thru larger controlled sets similar to [20], [22]
- Establish wide range of techniques that are inexpensive and can be easily managed especially in low countries with limited healt care resources [22]