Saline nasal irrigation and gargling in COVID-19: Part II. Outcomes in Omicron and risk-benefit for self-care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The World Health Organization recommends at-home management of mild COVID-19. While our preliminary evaluation provided evidence for saline nasal irrigation (SNI) and gargling in COVID-19, an update and risk-benefit assessment for self-care in Omicron infection is warranted, from treatment and preparedness perspectives, as new SARS-CoV-2 variants continuously emerge, while symptoms overlap with those of common colds and other upper respiratory tract infections.

Methods

Systematic literature searches for preclinical and clinical studies involving Omicron infection and saline, bias assessment, and review of outcomes (benefits, risks).

Results

A total of 14 studies met eligibility criteria: one experimental proof-of-concept study, eight randomized clinical tri

SUBMITTER: Huijghebaert S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12406277 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature