Many Americans — and those of us right here in Maryland — have started new and heightened hygiene routines since the outbreak of COVID-19. Before we learned of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus in 2020, it was less likely that people would sanitize their hands every time they entered a building, let alone wear face masks around friends and family. There is still one important infection prevention practice that is not being practiced widely enough: sanitizing the nose.

To date, 428,799 COVID-19 cases have been reported in our state, and sadly, almost 8,300 Marylanders have passed away due to the virus. This pandemic is even more acutely felt by communities of color who are more likely to serve as essential workers or live in densely populated neighborhoods.

(11) comments

miaow

So we should put hand sanitizer in our nose?

threecents

I have not heard of nasal sanitizers. While they may be useful for some immune deficient individuals and in a hospital setting, they do not sound like a good idea for general use, as Gabe pointed out.

phydeaux994

There has been a marked decrease of the regular Flu because of the mask wearing and now people with allergies to all of the Spring pollens are finding a benefit too. A simple solution to all the airborne threats.

gabrielshorn2013

Interesting opinion from Dr. Belani, and may be applicable in a clinical (hospital) situation, but surely not for common every day home use. Sanitizers do not specifically target the pathogenic (bad) bacteria, leaving the "good" normal bacterial population behind as a protective barrier to pathogen colonization. No, they kill everything. When that happens, it leaves the area available for colonization by pathogenic (bad) bacteria, causing infection and disease. Maintaining a healthy microbiome is critical in preventing infection, hence the use of probiotics to maintain gut health, or eating yogurt after a course of antibiotics. Any medical professional knows this, and would not promote such indiscriminate use of sanitizers on sensitive areas of the body.

Greg F

Tending to agree with you here. I know a few that used Neti Pots for this purpose who got infections that were rather serious. I also think this may lead to resistance as well...and for some it is just an intolerable process.

gabrielshorn2013

Using a Neti pot with an isotonic (0.9% w/v) saline solution may be indicated for periodic (not daily) flushing of the sinuses and mucous membranes to remove excessive mucous or allergens. Using a hypertonic solution may lead to what you describe GregF, as the hypertonicity causes osmotic imbalances in some bacteria, leading to their lysis (death). When that happens, the microbiome is altered, causing colonization by different, and potentially unhealthy new replacements. Save such recommendations to your physician. Use of the 61% ethanol solution in a Neti pot as mentioned below is fraught with potential complications.

Trellis

Unfortunately, this is an unabashed advertisement for a name brand nasal product masquerading as a Letter to the Editor. An extremely expensive product currently available OTC to consumers online only. The main ingredient? 61% alcohol. Their science may be sound, but the company behind the product should have purchased advertising space rather than slither into the FNP in such a disingenuous and self-serving manner.

Dwasserba

I use a neti pot. You can get it at the drug store. You use salt packets and previously boiled and cooled water which is then reheated to irrigate the nose. It is said to flush out germs and viruses, allergens and irritants as it shrinks nasal membranes. Good for allergies. Easy to get, easy to do.

Greg F

They may help, but can be dangerous also. Remember...1/2 of everyone you meet on a typical day is below average intelligence. Not sure they'd be able to do things right. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249460#what-is-a-neti-pot

phydeaux994

Wow, that is very close to the Political Divide in our Country. Interesting.

msmith6276

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