Researchers indicate that rinsing with saline solution may lessen the severity of symptoms and lower the likelihood of hospitalization for Covid-19. The findings were shared at a conference hosted by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in California, with MedicalXpress reporting on the results.
From 2020 to 2022, a randomly chosen group of adults aged 18 to 65 who tested positive for coronavirus followed a 14-day regimen of saline rinses using solutions with varying salt concentrations. Participants performed both nasal washes and gargles as part of the protocol.
The study revealed that salt concentration did not significantly alter outcomes. Across groups, those who performed saline rinses experienced fewer hospitalizations and fewer indicators of serious illness compared with those who did not undertake the rinse regimen.
Earlier public health guidance encouraged vaccination against Covid-19 for individuals who had not yet received a vaccine. These findings add another potential nonpharmacological measure to reduce illness burden, though they should not replace vaccination or other proven preventive strategies. [citation needed]