Overview
- On BBC Morning Live, Dr Oscar Duke said saltwater drops may cut symptom duration for covid, colds and flu by about two days, citing research from Edinburgh involving roughly 400 children.
- He described a recipe of three teaspoons of salt with one teaspoon of bicarbonate in cooled boiled water, using one teaspoon of the mixture diluted in 250 ml water via spray, dropper or inhalation from the palm.
- Tabloid coverage priced the salt component at under 2p, using an example of a 750 g bottle sold at Aldi for 65p.
- He stressed the approach offers symptom relief rather than eliminating the virus, with standard advice to test, consult a clinician, rest, use pain relievers and avoid contact with vulnerable people when unwell.
- Reports placed the guidance in the context of current variants Stratus (XFG) and Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), noting hoarseness and fatigue linked to Stratus and severe sore throat and swallowing difficulty commonly reported with Nimbus.