METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEFENDING AGAINST NASO-PHARYNGEAL VIRAL ATTACKS
An apparatus is disclosed for practicing a method of treating viruses in the nasal mucosa. Vapor is generated, heated and delivered to the nasal mucosa in intermittent bursts, timed to coincide with inhalation. Control circuits are provided to maintain the temperature of the vapor at the point of delivery at a level greater than that necessary to kill viruses in the nasal mucosa. Timing circuits can synchronize the vapor delivery with a breathing cycle with heated vapor being supplied during inhalation and blocked during exhalation. Other circuits terminate operation when liquid is insufficient or after a predetermined timed interval.
1 . Apparatus of treating a subject for naso-pharyngeal viral attacks comprising the combination of:
a. reservoir means for containing a quantity of liquid;
b. first means associated with said reservoir means for converting liquid to vapor
c. second means, adjacent said reservoir means for heating vapor created by said first means;
d. vapor delivery means adapted to be worn by a subject to be treated and positioned to direct vapor into the nasal mucosa of the subject;
e. conduit means connecting said reservoir means and said vapor delivery means;
f. third means for sending vapor heated by said second means through said conduit means into said vapor delivery means; and
g. control means for interrupting the flow of vapor to the subject.