A daily gargle might sidetrack the flu
Dr. Vinay Goyal? Does that name ring a bell?
I recently received an e-mail that featured some H1N1-fighting advice from Dr. Goyal. I get the feeling this message is making the rounds on the Internet, so you may have already seen it.
Number one on Dr. G’s list: frequent hand washing. Good call.
Also, keep your hands off your face. Dr. Goyal: “Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).”
Slap my own face? Ooookay. I think I can resist that temptation.
Aside from face slapping, this is the suggestion that intrigued me: “Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation.”
Is simple salt water really the best way to go? I checked in with HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., for his take.
Dr. Spreen: “The saline gargle will kill bacteria if it’s strong enough. But it works better with 3% hydrogen peroxide.”
Generally, Dr. Spreen suggests diluting: one part water to one part 3% hydrogen peroxide. For his own personal use, however, Dr. Spreen doesn’t dilute. In either case, you should talk to your doctor before using this method of bacteria control.
