No, washing your nose with saline does not help prevent Covid-19 infection, says WHO on its page dedicated to received ideas. “Rinsing your nose regularly has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.”
This gesture is even not recommended for infected people. In a letter sent to healthcare professionals on March 22 (DGS Urgent), and relating to the atypical forms of the coronavirus, it is indicated that “nose washings could promote viral dissemination”.
“They are not recommended, confirms to Top Santé Jacques Battistoni, President of MG France. In the event of infection, this could perhaps disseminate the virus in the respiratory system, towards the throat in particular, even if there are no scientifically verified arguments. Also, advises the general practitioner, “better not to do it too much in case of infection.”
On the other hand, he specifies, it is not a question of proscribing physiological saline but of having a reasonable use of it. Yes, it is not recommended for an adult infected with the coronavirus. But yes, you can continue to blow your baby’s nose. “In the event of nasal obstruction in a baby for which there is no other solution than to use serum, it would be even more problematic not to blow his nose !”
