Steam inhalation does not prevent or treat coronavirus infection

Steam inhalation is one of the most commonly used home remedies to soothe and open the nasal passage to attain relief from symptoms of a cold or sinus infection.

Claim:

The message going around as Whatsapp forwards and Instagram stories is that steam inhalation can kill coronavirus. It says that in order for people to remain safe from contracting COVID-19, people should start taking steam. It claims that steam will reach the nose and kill the virus hiding there. The message further claims that at 50 degree Celsius, the coronavirus is disabled; at 60 degree Celsius, the virus is weaker; and at 70 degree Celsius, the virus dies completely.

Reality:

Neither World Health Organisation nor US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended steam inhalation as a treatment for prevention or treatment of coronavirus infection.

Health experts widely advise that steam inhalation may help in decreasing any respiratory or congestion issues that might have arisen in the nasal passage and airways, but it is not found to kill the cascading virus. Moreover, doctors have reported that steam inhalation could worsen situation of people who are COVID-19 positive, for it could lead to asthma related symptoms, or even burns in the nasal passage or airways.