Nasal sprays, made up of everything from nitric oxide to algae-derived sugars, have been explored for their ability to prevent or treat respiratory infections like COVID-19 or the common cold.
The idea behind the sprays is to coat the nasal passages—a key entry point for viruses—with a substance that either entraps or neutralizes viruses to limit infection.
But do they work?
A large clinical trial including over 11,000 participants in the U.K. provides some insights.
The study, published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine showed that individuals who used a gel-based or saline nasal spray at the first signs of respiratory infection, after potential exposure to infection or after prolonged exposure to someone who is sick, were sick for roughly 2 fewer days over 6 months than those who received usual care (that is, advice about managing illness).
In addition, the duration of illness in people who reported they were sick was 3 days shorter in the nasal spray groups compared to the usual care group, and they had fewer moderately bad symptoms.
Other smaller studies have similarly shown that nasal sprays may reduce illness duration by varying amounts, suggesting they may, with additional research, represent another tool for dealing with infections.
Watch Microbial Minutes for the full story • Nasal Sprays and Respiratory Infections - ...
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