DOH6 warns against harmful effects of ‘tu-ob’

ILOILO CITY, June 29 (PIA) – The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) warned the public against the harmful effects of “tu-ob” or steam inhalation.

In a virtual briefing, Dr. Ma. Sophia Pulmones, DOH WV CHD Local Health Support Division Chief, said that there are no studies that provide evidences that inhalation of steam could prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Tuob” is the practice of steam inhalation where an individual covers his/her head with a towel or large piece of cloth to inhale steam from a small basin with hot water, which can be infused with salt, lemon, ginger,  or other ingredients.

“There is no scientific evidence that it can eliminate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,” she said.

Pulmones said that such therapy may pose more harmful effects and danger to individuals and may also lead to accidents.

“It could even cause burns,” she said, adding that this could worsen a person’s condition.

She added that steam inhalation may also increase secretion in the nose, which may possibly spread viruses through sneezing and coughing.

According to DOH, there are studies from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization that dismiss steam therapy as a cure for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. (JSC/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)