Rinsing your nose with salt water gives your nose cells what they need to make a natural germ-fighting chemical, which helps your body fight off viruses better.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (2)
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Hypertonic saline nasal irrigation and gargling should be considered as a treatment option for COVID-19
The study used saltwater nose rinses, just like the claim says, and found it helps fight viruses by making a natural bleach in your nose.
Antiviral innate immune response in non-myeloid cells is augmented by chloride ions via an increase in intracellular hypochlorous acid levels
The study shows that salt (like in saline) helps cells in your nose make a natural virus-fighter, just like the claim says.
Contradicting (1)
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A pilot, open labelled, randomised controlled trial of hypertonic saline nasal irrigation and gargling for the common cold
The study tested saltwater rinses for colds and found they help people feel better faster, but it didn't check if the salt actually boosts the body's virus-fighting chemicals like the claim says.
Gold Standard Evidence Needed
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