Gargling with salt water: Does it help prevent influenza A?

SKĐS - Gargling with salt water is a simple habit. When done correctly, this method helps maintain throat health, especially useful during flu and cold season...

Researchers explain that salt water helps soothe inflamed throat tissue by absorbing excess fluid and creating an environment less favorable for the growth of bacteria and viruses. This is the biological basis that makes gargling with salt water a simple but effective habit to protect the throat, especially during influenza A season.

1. How does salt water work in the throat?

Content

• 1. How does salt water work in the throat?
• 2. Scientific evidence
• 3. How to mix standard saline solution
• 4. When is salt water gargling most effective?
• 5. Who should be cautious?
• 6. Make salt water gargling a daily habit

Salt water solution is slightly hypertonic, meaning the salt concentration is higher than the fluid in the throat tissues. Gargling with salt water helps:

• Drains fluid from swollen tissues, helping to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• Warm water thins mucus, making it easier to flush out bacteria, viruses, and irritants.
• Some bacteria have difficulty growing in salty environments, so rinsing your mouth with salt water can help gently reduce bacterial load.

This combination of soothing, cleansing, and gentle antibacterial effects makes salt water a trusted first-line solution for an irritated throat, especially during flu and cold season.

Although salt water cannot directly treat influenza A, it will help reduce irritation, swelling, sore throat... common symptoms of flu infection.

2. Scientific evidence

Clinical trials have shown that gargling with warm salt water improves sore throat symptoms faster than doing nothing. Although it cannot directly treat serious viral infections such as influenza A, gargling with salt water will help reduce irritation, swelling, sore throat… common symptoms of flu.

Doctors recommend this method because:

• Safe, inexpensive
• Suitable for use multiple times a day
• Local effect, does not affect the whole body

People with colds, viral flu, early stages of sore throats, or throat strain from prolonged talking often find this method especially effective.

3. How to mix standard saline solution

The ingredients are easy to find, but the correct mixing ratio is important:

• Add ¼ – ½ teaspoon of salt to 250 ml of warm water.
• Stir until salt is completely dissolved.
• Take a sip, tilt your head back, and gargle for 15–30 seconds.
• Spit out and repeat 2–3 times per session.
• Use warm water, avoid water that is too hot to avoid irritation.

This mixture is gentle enough to use repeatedly, yet effective in soothing a sore throat.

4. When is salt water gargling most effective?

This method is especially useful when:

• 

• Itchy, dry, swollen, or irritated throat
• Start of cold, flu, mild sore throat
• After long talking, during allergy season, or when the air is dry
• People with mild gingivitis or mouth ulcers…

During flu season, regular salt water gargling helps remove irritants and maintain a healthy throat environment, helping the body fight the virus in the early stages.

5. Who should be cautious?

• Avoid swallowing the solution, as excess salt may irritate the stomach or interfere with rehydration.
• Children should rinse under adult supervision.
• People on low sodium diets or with heart or kidney disease should consult a doctor before regular use.
• Not a substitute for antibiotics or medical treatment for severe throat infections, high fever, difficulty swallowing, or bacterial infections.

6. Make salt water gargling a daily habit

Gargling with salt water can become part of your daily self-care routine:

• Rinse in the morning or before going to bed.
• Combine with herbal tea, humidifier, honey mixed drinks to increase effectiveness.
• Use consistently, especially during changing seasons or when experiencing initial cold symptoms.

This little habit helps keep your throat comfortable in the long run and reduces the risk of mild problems becoming more serious, helping to prevent influenza A in the early stages.

Gargling with salt water is proof that effective treatments don’t have to be complicated. Clinically proven, it soothes the throat, relieving irritation gently and safely. During flu season, it’s a simple, easy habit to incorporate into your routine to help maintain throat health and support your body’s fight against early-stage pathogens.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a doctor if symptoms are severe or persistent.

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Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/suc-mieng-bang-nuoc-muoi-lieu-co-giup-ngan-ngua-cum-a-169251113232557766.htm