News and stories Based on Science Will applying heat to your skin or throat kill the virus that causes COVID-19?

Will applying heat to your skin or throat kill the virus that causes COVID-19?

Based on Science

Heating your skin will not kill the coronavirus. Temperatures hot enough to destroy the virus would cause a serious burn. Getting vaccinated and minimizing time in poorly ventilated and crowded spaces are much more effective ways to avoid getting COVID-19.

Health and Medicine

Pandemics

Last update April 15, 2020

Hair dryers and hot baths do not kill the coronavirus.

There is no safe way to use heat to destroy coronaviruses on your skin or inside your body.

Coronaviruses are viable at body temperature, even if you have a fever.
The temperatures required to destroy viruses are too hot for your skin to handle. Using a hair dryer or hand dryer will not work.
Drinking hot water or taking a hot bath will not prevent you from getting COVID-19 or destroy the virus if you are already sick.

Heat and UV light can harm viruses—but they also harm people.

High temperatures and ultraviolet (UV) light can be used to disinfect objects and surfaces. But they’re not safe for people.

Research has found that the novel coronavirus is destroyed after 5 minutes at 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70°C). Studies found similar results for the related virus that causes SARS.
While UV light can disinfect objects, surfaces, and spaces that are not occupied, it’s not safe to use on people.
The type and amount of UV light you get from being outside on a sunny day cannot kill coronaviruses on your skin. But it can give you a sunburn, so wear sunscreen!