Does nasal hydrogen peroxide help prevent infections? What helps prevent infections?

I have seen videos of people trying to promote using hydrogen peroxide to help prevent infections. Here is an example I recently debunked.

While on the surface it may make sense to try and clean your tissues to help prevent germs from entering your body, it may be counterproductive. Hydrogen peroxide can be an irritating substance that can lead to tissue damage and inflammation.

In addition, mucociliary clearance may be affected by hydrogen peroxide. That means that the hair cells called cilia do not properly function to clear out germs and mucus from the respiratory tract.

What may help prevent infections?

1. Staying up to date on vaccines

2. Sleeping well

3. Eating a well balanced diet

4. Stress reduction

5. Exercise

6. Nasal saline rinses (distilled water and NO tap water)

7. Handwashing - warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds

8. Wearing a mask

It still pains me that a simple public health measure like wearing a mask became politicized when it clearly reduces the risk of transmitting infections. In fact, influenza was barely existing during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic largely due to masking and physical distancing.

Vitamin supplementation does not have a lot of universally consistent data supporting its use for the general population to reduce the risk of infection. Vitamin D may help the elderly population or those who are deficient, but I do not have a lot of data for universally recommending its use for all. Zinc has inconsistent results as well

While it is easier said than done, stress is a potent immune suppressant, so stress reduction, exercise and sleeping well can be helpful.

Do you have questions about the role of vaccines in helping reduce the risk of infections?

I hope you have found my content helpful. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

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