Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline solution prevent COVID-19?

Regularly rinsing your nose with saline solution can help with general nasal hygiene and relieve symptoms of colds and allergies, but there is no scientific evidence that rinsing your nose with saline solution can prevent COVID-19.

Nasal irrigation with saline solutions (also called saline irrigation) is often used to clear the nasal passages, remove mucus, and relieve symptoms of colds, sinusitis, and allergies. It can help reduce irritation and congestion, but it does not have antiviral effects specifically against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Although saline solutions are useful for clearing the nasal passages, they have not been shown to be effective in preventing viral infections such as COVID-19. Viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 infect the body through the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and eyes, and once inside cells, they can multiply rapidly.

So far, there is no convincing scientific evidence that regular nasal irrigation with saline is effective in preventing COVID-19. Health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do not recommend nasal irrigation as a preventive measure against COVID-19.

Although saline nasal irrigation can be helpful for general nasal hygiene and relief of cold and allergy symptoms, there is no scientific evidence that it can prevent COVID-19.

Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2023-12-11 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025