Corona: does gargling protect against infection? | NDR.de – guide

Before going to the dentist, gargling with an iodine solution has long been common in order to reduce the germ load in the mouth and thus the risk of infection for doctors and nurses. Since coronaviruses multiply in the throat area right at the beginning of the disease, they can be rinsed from the mucous membrane by gargling with salt water, tea or a mouthwash solution during this phase. It is important to gargle for at least 30 seconds and allow the liquid to penetrate into the throat.

However, gargling does not prevent the virus from multiplying inside the cells, so that new viruses can be found on the mucous membrane of the throat shortly after gargling. Nobody knows how long gargling can actually reduce the amount of virus in the throat. Experts assume it will be effective for a few minutes.

Study: Gargling kills viruses

Researchers at the Ruhr University Bochum have shown that some mouthwashes can kill SARS-CoV-2 viruses – at least in the test tube. Whether this also works when gargling remains to be investigated. A virus-killing effect has been demonstrated in the laboratory for a PVP iodine solution.

Covid-19 cannot be cured by gargling. But it could be another building block for prevention. However, mouthwashes should only be used specifically, for example before a meal together. Because if you gargle too often, the oral flora could suffer.

Gargling in naturopathy

Basically, gargling supports the defense against pathogens: It moisturizes the mucous membrane and ensures that it is better supplied with blood and immune cells. This allows the body to better defend itself against intruders such as viruses. Gargling with lemon balm tea is particularly recommended, because lemon balm is known for its antiviral properties. Green tea can also inhibit viruses through its tannins.

Gurgel test is intended to simplify diagnostics

A saliva sample after gargling for 30 seconds is intended to simplify the corona diagnosis using a PCR test and make it cheaper. The idea: Anyone can gargle, and no medical personnel in protective equipment is required.

In order to further reduce the effort, the saliva samples of several people are mixed in the laboratory and examined together. This so-called pooling saves test capacity, because all saliva samples are only re-examined individually if the entire sample is positive. However, the prerequisite for good results is that you gargle for at least 30 seconds and not with too much liquid. This is the only way to get enough virus material into the gargle.