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Nasal sprays are part of a layered defence strategy. For Indians, the key takeaway is cautious optimism. Sprays may help reduce infection risk, but remain a supplementary option
Several universities and biotech start-ups are experimenting with herbal nasal sprays combining turmeric, tulsi, or neem extracts with modern drug delivery systems. (Getty Images)
When the coronavirus pandemic swept across India, the images were unforgettable: crowded hospitals, oxygen shortages, and families scrambling for treatment. The public conversation revolved around vaccines, masks, and lockdowns. But with Covid-19 still lingering in cycles, and seasonal illnesses like flu, viral fevers, and respiratory infections regularly sweeping across the country, scientists and health experts are exploring something new — the idea of stopping the virus right at the door: the nose.
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Nasal sprays designed to block or neutralise viruses before they can infect the body are being studied across the world. Some are already on shelves in India, though not specifically marketed for infection prevention. Others are in clinical trials.
For Indian consumers who juggle crowded trains, markets, festivals, and workplaces where avoiding exposure is nearly impossible, the prospect of a pocket-sized tool to prevent illness is appealing.
But how real is this? Can nasal sprays really protect against Covid-19, or flu? Or are they just another health fad? Let’s breaks down the science, the types of sprays being studied, their safety, and what Indian consumers should keep in mind before reaching for one.
Why The Nose Is the First Battlefield
Every respiratory infection begins the same way: a virus enters through the nose or mouth, attaches to cells, and starts replicating. The nose, in particular, is the primary gateway. The coronavirus, for example, binds to ACE2 receptors in the nasal passages before spreading deeper into the body.
If the nose is where the fight begins, then protecting it could mean preventing illness entirely — or at least reducing severity. This is the central idea behind nasal sprays: Create a local shield or introduce medicines directly to the infection’s entry point.
Interestingly, Indian traditional medicine has long embraced the same principle. Ayurveda’s “nasya therapy” involves applying herbal oils or powders into the nostrils to strengthen immunity and clear toxins. While modern nasal sprays are based on pharmaceuticals and lab-tested chemicals, the underlying belief — protect the nose to protect the body — has deep cultural resonance in India.
Types of Nasal Sprays Under Study
Globally and in India, several types of nasal sprays are being explored for infection prevention. Each works differently.
- Barrier Gel Sprays: These sprays form a thin gel-like coating inside the nose that traps viruses and prevents them from attaching to cells. Animal studies suggest near-complete protection against viruses like influenza and even coronaviruses.
Pros: Non-drug-based, simple physical barrier.
Cons: Needs frequent re-application, not yet available in India, human trials are still limited.
- Antihistamine Sprays (like Azelastine): Azelastine is widely available in India for allergy treatment (brands like Azelast). Recent research abroad suggests it may also block coronavirus entry by interfering with the way the virus binds to nasal receptors.
Pros: Already available in Indian pharmacies, familiar to doctors.
Cons: Not officially approved for COVID prevention, so off-label use may be risky without medical advice.
- Povidone-Iodine (PVP-I) Sprays: PVP-I, used in India for decades as an antiseptic in wound cleaning and throat gargles, can also kill viruses in lab conditions. Some ENT doctors experimented with diluted nasal sprays during the Covid waves.
Pros: Strong antiviral effect in labs, widely available.
Cons: Frequent use can irritate nasal tissues; not approved for routine preventive use.
- Interferon Sprays: Interferons are proteins that trigger the immune defence. Sprays with interferons have been tested in cancer patients abroad, showing potential to protect against viral infections.
Pros: Boosts innate immunity directly in the nose.
Cons: Still experimental, not available in India.
- Nasal Vaccines
Though different from sprays, India has already pioneered nasal vaccines like Bharat Biotech’s iNCOVACC, which delivers immunity through the nose. These target long-term immunity, not immediate barriers, but they show India’s growing expertise in nasal delivery systems.
Do They Really Work?
The science is promising, but far from definitive. Lab results don’t always translate to real life.
- Viruses may enter the body before a spray can take effect.
- Sprays often need multiple doses per day to remain effective.
- Human trials are limited, and results vary depending on virus type, viral load, and timing of use.
In controlled experiments, some sprays dramatically reduced viral spread in households. But these results are preliminary, and regulators in India and abroad have not yet endorsed sprays as a replacement for vaccines or masks.
Why This Matters In India
India faces unique challenges that make nasal sprays both attractive and complex:
High-density living: In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, social distancing is nearly impossible. Sprays could act as an added shield in crowded trains or festivals.
Seasonal infection waves: Every monsoon and winter brings spikes in flu, dengue, and viral fevers. Nasal sprays could complement vaccination drives and hygiene measures.
Cultural acceptance: Because of Ayurveda practices, many Indians are comfortable with the idea of applying something in the nose for health.
Healthcare access gaps: In rural areas, sprays could serve as a simple preventive tool if proven safe and effective.
What Are The Risks And Limitations?
Before Indian consumers rush to buy sprays, it is important to know the risks.
- Antiseptic sprays like iodine may cause burning, dryness, or long-term irritation.
- Antihistamine sprays may lead to drowsiness or mild dizziness in some users.
- Relying solely on sprays may make people neglect vaccines, masks, or hand hygiene.
- The Indian market is already filled with herbal “antiviral sprays” or “Covid nasal drops,” many without strong clinical backing. Consumers must check for DCGI approval before use.
- Infants, children, and elderly people with chronic conditions should not be given sprays without medical supervision.
Where Does India’s Research Stand?
India has the expertise and infrastructure to pioneer affordable nasal sprays. Bharat Biotech’s nasal vaccine is already an example. Several universities and biotech start-ups are experimenting with herbal nasal sprays combining turmeric, tulsi, or neem extracts with modern drug delivery systems.
If proven effective, such sprays could:
- Become part of festival season essentials — like sanitizers during COVID.
- Be distributed in schools and workplaces to curb seasonal outbreaks.
- Reduce pressure on hospitals during viral surges.
But without large-scale trials in Indian populations, regulators are unlikely to green-light mass use soon.
Practical Advice For Indians Considering Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays should be seen as part of a layered defence strategy, not a silver bullet. For Indian consumers, the key takeaway is cautious optimism. Yes, sprays may soon help reduce infection risk, especially in high-exposure settings like trains, offices, and schools. But for now, they remain a supplementary option, not a replacement for proven tools.
Stick to proven products: If buying, use only DCGI-approved sprays with clear instructions. Avoid unregulated herbal brands making tall claims.
Consult doctors: Especially if giving to children or elderly family members.
Don’t skip vaccines: Sprays may reduce risk, but vaccines build systemic immunity.
Use in high-risk situations: Crowded trains, flights, or hospital visits may be situations where sprays (if safe) add value.
Follow layering: Continue with masks, good ventilation, and hand hygiene.
What Lies Ahead?
The pandemic taught India a hard lesson: prevention matters more than cure. Nasal sprays represent an exciting frontier — a way to block viruses right at their entry point. For a country as crowded and diverse as India, the idea makes intuitive sense.
But science moves more slowly than hope. While some sprays (like azelastine) are already accessible, their preventive power against infections is not yet fully established. Others remain in trials. Until strong clinical evidence emerges, sprays should can be used as an extra layer, not the main defence.
For now, Indians should watch the space closely, but rely on vaccines, masks during surges, and tried-and-tested precautions. The nose may be the battlefield — but the war cannot be won with sprays alone.
About the Author
Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev…Read More
Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev… Read More
October 02, 2025, 09:00 IST
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