No proof that steaming eliminates COVID-19 virus - ZimFact
Ngoni Mhuruyengwe
January 18, 2021
CLAIM: Steaming kills the virus which causes COVID-19
Source – viral message on WhatsApp platforms
RATING: INCORRECT. Steaming does not kill the virus causing COVID-19 but is home remedy for breathing problems
A message that has been circulating widely on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, citing unnamed “doctors”, claims steam inhalation kills off the virus which causes COVID-19. The message recommends steam inhalation at least twice a day for a week, after which “the deadly COVID-19 will be erased.”
According to The Lancet, steam inhalation is traditionally used as a home remedy for common colds and upper respiratory tract infections, but the journal describes as weak and unproven, theories that the steam loosens mucus, opens nasal passages, and reduces mucosal inflammation, or that the heat inhibits replication of viruses.
There is no cure yet for COVID-19. There is also no evidence that steam inhalation is effective in preventing and curing COVID-19.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), which has warned against self-medication, has also said exposing oneself to temperatures above 25 degrees celsius does not give protection against COVID-19.
A small study (involving 10 people) conducted last year found that while inhalation of steam in the 55-65 degree celsius temperature range could stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the upper airway during the early stages of infection, it is unlikely to work once the infection reaches the deep internal airway, meaning it cannot eliminate the virus from the body.
The researchers also conceded that their study needed to be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial.
“Our observation is only preliminary, it has obvious limitations and the beneficial effects we observed need confirmation in a controlled trial,” the researchers said.
Some relief
Medical experts say steaming might help relieve some COVID-19 symptoms, but it is no cure.
“I have not said this does or doesn’t cure it because there is no science to it, but we are encouraging people to do what relieves the signs and symptoms (of COVID-19),” Dr Agnes Mahomva, Zimbabwe’s Chief Coordinator of the National Response to COVID-19, says.
“We do not have a cure, no one has quite confirmed scientifically a drug or medicine to cure this virus, viruses are very difficult and the tendency to struggle to find a cure is always there.”
She said steam inhalation was just one of many methods traditionally used to relieve symptoms such as congestion.
“We are encouraging people to do what they usually do to relieve their symptoms, that’s where a number of home remedies are coming through, but no one has said there is a cure that if you take lemon you will be cured or if you steam you will be cured,” she added.
Dangers of steaming
Steam inhalation has been associated with serious burns, especially among children. Last year, an article in The Lancet reported an increase in scalding, corresponding to an increase in COVID-19 cases, in the United Kingdom.
CONCLUSION
The claim that steam inhalation can kill off the SARS CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, is false. While experts concede that steaming might help relieve some symptoms associated with common colds and respiratory infections, there is no evidence supporting the claim that it eliminates the novel coronavirus.
It is also important to note the dangers associated with home remedies such as steaming, which has resulted in some serious injuries.
To date, the WHO has not declared any cure for COVID-19.
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