Have you been advised to inhale the steam in order to stay safe from the coronavirus? Turns out that not only is this a false claim, but inhaling steam can cause a few side effects, with health experts doubling down on efforts to keep people away from the practise over the course of the pandemic.

Social media plays a key role in both spreading these false remedies and creating awareness about them. In a widely-shared video posted on Facebook in February, a man creates a homemade sauna and urges people to do the same. 

“Afrika response to COVID -19 ..innovation .. build your sauna/steam challenge ! Put gumtree and guava leaves in the boiling pots…mhlonyane tea and all ..smoke/steam the virus : Your health is in your hands!” the video is captioned. 

Another user claims “COVID -19 can be killed by inhaling steam from the nose and mouth” adding that “if all the people started a steam drive campaign for a week, The pandemic will end”.

According to a fact check by Reuters news agency, inhaling steam does not cure COVID-19. The practise is not recommended by either the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

A CDC official told Reuters that he was not aware of any scientific study that linked steam therapy with the COVID-19 infection. 

The practice has long been used for curing cold and other respiratory tract ailments. But studies show there are very few benefits, and it can cause serious burn injuries.

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The Spanish Pediatric Association warned “The usual technique of covering the head with a towel over a pan filled with hot water is dangerous due to the steam, the hot liquid, or even potential contact with the container”. 

The Birmingham Children’s Hospital has also warned about the potential scalds risks involved with inhaling steam.  

“Sadly, our centre has seen increase of young people needing care after suffering such scalds from boiling water linked to inhaling steam. Such injuries have the potential to be life-changing. Please do not take the risk,” the hospital said in a Facebook post.