Using saltwater nose rinses and gargling might help people with viruses shed less of the virus, making them less contagious and possibly feeling better faster, but this is based on a small study and needs more research.

Using saltwater nose rinses and gargling might cut down how often colds spread in families by about a third, which could help keep more people from getting sick.

Using saltwater nose rinses and gargling might help adults with common colds caused by certain coronaviruses feel better about 2.6 days faster, according to a small study.

Using saltwater nose rinses and gargling might help adults with common colds from coronaviruses feel less stuffy faster, cutting down how long their nose stays blocked by about 3 days, according to a small study.

Using saltwater nose rinses and gargling might help adults with common colds from coronaviruses get over their cough about 3 days faster, based on a small study.

Using saltwater nose rinses and gargling might help adults with common colds caused by coronaviruses get rid of a hoarse voice almost 3 days faster, according to a small study.