Steam Inhalation Doesn't Kill COVID-19

Hind Khoudary

Health

21st July 2020

No scientific evidence shows that steam inhalation can kill any viruses (Getty Images)

The Claim

Steam inhalation kills COVID-19.

News posted on

Facebook

Twitter

Fasihuddin Nauman🌍

Emerging story

Users on social media claimed that a Chinese expert assures everybody that inhalation steam from hot water kills COVID-19.

Others claimed that the Chinese stopped going to the hospital for COVID-19 treatment. Instead, they kill the virus by practicing very hot steam inhalation four times per day.

Another user described steam inhalation as a weapon against COVID-19.

Vineeta Adani posted a video encouraging people to practice steam inhalation, giving them steps and ingredients.

#CoronaLockdown #StayAtHomeAndStaySafe #Covid_19 steam inhalation kills the virus right in your throat .... try to believe it!!! pic.twitter.com/CXhsyrfHcF
— Vineeta Adnani (@VineetaAdnani) March 28, 2020
There is also a Facebook group with 14K members that share tips on steam inhalation and hold discussions about how it kills COVID-19.

Misbar’s Analysis

During our investigation we found that the Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines recently cautioned against the practice of “tuob” or steam inhalation with salt, lemon, and other ingredients, to prevent COVID-19 infection. According to the DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, there is no scientific evidence proving that inhalation of steam provided protective benefits against COVID-19.

However, The World Health Organization also said there is no known drug or preventive treatment for COVID-19. We also found a joint statement of medical organizations on the practice of steam inhalation tweeted by Dr.Tony Leachon.

Misbar didn’t find any information to support the circulating claims.