“TUOB” pa more
Growing up, I usually have some sort of breathing difficulty especially when I’m doing a physical activity. Each time it happens, my mom would put an ointment on my chest and a cloth or towel over it to make me sleep well at night. If the situation gets worse, my mom will bring out her steam inhalation (tuob) gadget. All I can remember is that I have to be in front of the steam and breath into it. It gives me much relief then and give me a good night sleep after it.
Today, there’s a brewing debate on the effectiveness of this so-called ‘tuob’ against Covid-19. There had been a deluge of social medial posts if such alternative medicine works or not in the prevention, if not cure, against the deadly virus.
Justin Neri, my batchmate in high school, wrote on his Facebook page that he has been tested positive for the virus via RT-PCR testing by the Department of Health (DOH). While in self isolation at home, Neri said he had been doing steam inhalation and it really helped him get better. He is now symptom free and just waiting for his scheduled retesting by DOH. Neri made it clear though that while ‘tuob’ greatly helped him get through with his battle against the virus, it did not cure his Covid and that. While there had been different views from various sectors on this issue, Neri said a better alternative is to spread the proper way of doing ‘tuob’ as it will cause serious injury if not done properly.
The medical group has been very vocal about their stand on ‘tuob’. Dr. Nora Abesamis Redulla shared in her FB page that the steam inhalation device much like ‘tuob’ was once part of medical practice but is now being stopped by pediatricians because of its adverse effects like unacceptable risk of burns, minimal relief of congestion, and time consuming to perform.
Doctor Clive Fermin wrote on his social media account that there’s nothing wrong with ‘tuob’ if done properly. It really does not do anything to prevent or cure COVID-19 but if it makes you feel good then do it, he suggests. He said prevention is still the best way to fight the virus at this point of time.
Like Doc Clive and the rest of medical practitioners, I always maintained that our best weapon to combat this unseen enemy is prevention by adhering to all safety measures and health protocols set by the authorities.
Now this ‘tuob’ wonder is spreading like wildfire regarding its effectiveness. I strongly suggest that you check first with your doctors about the needed precautions in doing this. We are all on survival mode and frantic in finding ways to get through this pandemic. Having a correct mindset is very important. This ‘tuob’ gives some people a positive mindset of survival. Others even do it 2 to 3 times a day. My take on this is that if you feel good, then DO it. But then again, I am reminding everyone that ‘tuob’ is not a cure and does not prevent you from getting the virus. But if it gives you a positive mindset of surviving through this crisis, then I would suggest you do it safely. Never use it as an excuse to disregard all safety protocols. Never use ‘tuob’ in a wrong mindset.
Again, what is important right now is to follow all health and safety protocols. As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. Wear mask properly, maintain physical distancing, and wash/sanitize you hands often. During these days, we must always bear in mind to stay safe, stay strong, and stay healthy.
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