Many reports indicate that the COVID-19 virus is sensitive to heat.  That means that surfaces exposed to direct sunlight are likely to be safe after a short time.  There are also reports that people are using various means to expose themselves to heat.  Some are suggesting the use of a hair dryer, while others are using saunas.

Some debunk these ideas as being a valid cure.

It is more likely that reality lies somewhere in between.

Saunas, for example, are well known to be a valuable health tool in general, and could contribute to healing of various illnesses, and perhaps with this virus as well.  However, they are not likely to treat COVID-19 as a stand-alone method.

One should remember that the body has a natural healing tool, namely a fever!  Therefore, heat DOES play a role in the healing process of many illnesses.  One of the symptoms of this virus is a fever, so the body does use its natural defense to fight it.  Therefore, augmenting the bodies natural fever mechanism is likely to help the healing process.  Some things that would do that include:

  • Hot baths
  • Hot liquids (definitely avoid cold drinks!!!)
  • Sauna (jumping in cold water after–as some do after the sauna–probably not a good idea in this case)
  • Warm room (no cold air conditioning blowing on the patient.)
  • Breathing in steam from a bowl.
  • Dress warm
  • Keep humidity levels up in the area where patient is staying.  Low humidity increases evaporation, thereby increasing cooling of the throat and lungs.
  • Breathing hot air from a hair dryer.  Effectiveness is questionable, but probably harmless unless you burn yourself.  It can also serve to dry out the breathing passages, so be aware…

IMPORTANT:  Avoid open flames, from whatever source, in enclosed spaces!  Otherwise, you risk fires as well as carbon monoxide poisoning.

Here are some videos that explore this topic…