By Andrea Aro The Department of Health said on Friday the home remedy of gargling with lukewarm water and salt can’t kill viruses but may ease symptoms of sore throat, while an infectious disease specialist says it can be part of good oral hygiene. (PIXABAY / MANILA BULLETIN) According to Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo, gargling with lukewarm water and salt is a home remedy used to ease the symptoms of a sore throat. “I think this is a home remedy naman that has been followed for many, many generations, and I don’t think there is going to be any harm in doing it. Saline gargle has always been advocated to improve ‘yung mostly symptoms ng sore throat,” Domingo said in a media briefing Friday. However, a saline gargle is ineffective against viruses. Domingo said, “I don’t think there is any evidence that will show that it will kill a virus.” According to infectious disease specialist and diabetologist Dr. Rey Salinel, a saline gargle as part of a simple oral hygiene practice might help reduce the risk of contracting different viruses. "Maging part na po ng oral hygiene ang pagmumumog po ng maligamgam na tubig na may asin—may coronavirus scare man o wala," Salinel said on GMA News. (Gargling with lukewarm water and salt can be part of oral hygiene with or without the coronavirus scare.) “A pinch of salt and a glass of lukewarm water will make an effective gargling solution,” he added. Salinel also advised the public to wash their hands frequently and sanitize with alcohol-based products to kill viruses. "Huwag ninyo pong hawakan ang mga mata ninyo, ilong ninyo, bibig ninyo kasi 'yan po ang portal of entry. Napaka-importante pong malinis ang kamay," Salinel said. (Do not touch your eyes, your nose, and your mouth because those are portals of entry. It is very important that your hands be clean.) It is also advised to wear surgical masks in crowded places and to keep surroundings clean. The World Health Organization (WHO) late Thursday declared the nCoV outbreak a global emergency as cases have already spread to at least 18 countries. The first confirmed case of nCoV in the country is a 38-year-old woman from Wuhan, China. WHO has also shared their novel coronavirus public advisory listing their “standard recommendations” to reduce the exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses through “hand and respiratory hygiene” and “safe food practices,” as follows: • Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water; • When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands; • Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough; • If you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider; • When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals; • The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk, or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.