Instructions on how to properly use nasal sprays and gargles to prevent and control Covid-19.

According to Dr. Nguyen Nam Ha, an ENT specialist at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, viruses must pass through the upper respiratory tract before entering the lungs and causing more dangerous consequences. The nose and throat are considered a barrier preventing viral entry. Proper hygiene of the upper respiratory tract, such as using nasal sprays and gargling, helps minimize the amount of virus that travels from the nose and throat to the lungs, reducing the risk of infection.

The solution is used fordaily nasal careIt is saline solution. The device used for nasal rinsing is a pre-mixed saline nasal spray.

Use the nasal spray daily by spraying 3 times in each nostril, making sure the nozzle is pointing downwards. Wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue. Then, block the other nostril and blow your nose through the one you sprayed. Repeat this process 2-3 times for each side.

Note that if excess saline solution flows back and accumulates at the base of the spray nozzle, remove the nozzle and dry the spray bottle. Store the spray bottle in a dry place after use. The spray bottle is a personal hygiene tool; avoid sharing it, especially with children. Remind children that this is a personal item.

People with Covid-19 should only use nasal spray in a private restroom to avoid spreading droplets when blowing their nose.

Proper nasal care not only helps limit the spread of Covid-19 but also supports the treatment and prevention of acute and chronic rhinitis, acute and chronic sinusitis, and post-nasal and sinus surgery. In particular, for healthcare workers, the nasal cavity contains many pathogens, so nasal care is crucial to prevent the spread of infection to others.

The solution used for daily gargling by healthy individuals who have not been in close contact with COVID-19 patients is saline solution, which can be used for children, even infants. Studies show that saline solution hardly alters the resident microbiome in the throat. In contrast, solutions containing disinfectants do change the number of resident microorganisms in the throat. Furthermore, long-term use of mouthwashes containing essential oils or disinfectants can irritate the throat, leading to "chronic throat inflammation caused by mouthwash."

You can use pre-mixed medical saline solution (convenient but expensive) or make your own saline solution at home using one full teaspoon of salt in one liter of cooled boiled water. This diluted saline solution should only be used within the day to avoid bacterial contamination from being left overnight.

For COVID-19 patients and those in close contact, doctors will prescribe gargling with solutions containing antiseptics such as povidone iodine and chlorhexidine.

Before gargling, rinse your mouth by putting water in your mouth, then spitting it out. There's no need to tilt your head back; keep your head straight.

Illustrative image.

Next, gargle by pouring about 5-10 ml of water into a glass and bringing it to your mouth. For effective gargling, in addition to tilting your head back, remember to stick your tongue out before making a "gurgling" sound. This is an important action that helps the water penetrate through the gaps in your throat and mouth. If you don't stick your tongue out, even tilting your head back as far as possible will only gargle your mouth, not your throat. After gargling, spit out the water.

You should gargle at least five times a day: in the morning, evening, and after each of the three meals. These are the times when mucus from the nose, throat, or irritants in food accumulates in the throat. You should also gargle immediately upon returning home from outside, after talking to or interacting with others, and immediately after swimming.

Le Phuong