chennai the tamil nadu government on monday warned people that inhaling steam which is being done by many as a precaution against covid19 will affect the lungsin a statement health minister ma subramanian said people should refrain from such practices without the advice of a doctor the practice of inhaling steam has been spreading among people after several messages were floating around on social media detailing its benefits in preventing covid19the government railway police grp also conducted a session at mgr central railway station on sunday using eight portable steam inhalers as part of its awareness drive against covid19 passengers were encouraged to use the same inhalerspeople are resorting to selfmedication practices like inhaling steam based on messages that are spreading in social media this is likely to affect the lungs it will also lead to spread of the virus when they inhale steam it is not considered an approved medical treatment people should approach a doctor if they experience symptoms said the statement the statement also said that the treatment given to patients in siddha covid care centres is done under medical supervision and is also based on the guidance of a government medical committee and these steps including steam inhalation should not be followed by people at home