MYTH: Inhaling steam is an effective COVID-19 treatment

This is false. There is no evidence that inhaling steam kills the virus. When we are infected with the new coronavirus the virus is inside our cells and inhaling steam will not affect it. The virus can be killed on surfaces using very hot water – at around 70 degrees Celsius, or hotter – as well as chemicals, but water and chemicals that are safe for surfaces are not safe for your body. Bringing hot water into close contact with your face and airways can cause burns and serious damage, so please do not try inhaling steam.