Studies show that all viruses reproduce only inside cells. The mucous membrane (nose and mouth) contains cells with receptors through which the virus enters the cell. The virus can reach the surface of the mucous membrane in a few minutes, a maximum of an hour.
According to Komsomolskaya Pravda, Vladimir Beketov, a pulmonologist at Russia's Sechenov University, said this while commenting on a popular video on coronavirus protection.
The authors of the video claim that the virus remains in saliva and mucus for 4-6 days after infection.
Beketov said that this hypothesis had nothing to do with the mechanism of development of respiratory viral infections.
"In high infectious doses, the virus inevitably penetrates the cells, multiplies and spreads throughout the body. In the first 2-3 days after contact with sick people, some people develop intoxication syndrome and the initial manifestations of COVID-19 - fever, sore throat, muscle aches, etc. arises. This completely refutes the thesis that the coronavirus can remain in the nasal cavity and mouth for 4-6 days.
Another false recommendation is to rinse the nasopharynx with a solution of soda and inhale it with steam.
According to the doctor, inhalation of soda solution vapor can cause severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract:
"Currently, there are more reliable analogues in pharmacies for washing the nasal cavity."
The pulmonologist said that the mucous membrane can be burned by inhalation of the solution at a temperature that is unpleasant and uncomfortable for a person.
"This is more harmful than the penetration of viral particles into the mucous membrane," the pulmonologist added.
Concluding remarks, do not believe the suspicious videos posted on the Internet and consult a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease.