Washing the nose and mouth with an iodine solution prevents the spread of SARS-CoV-2, according to a new study. The researchers tested samples of the virus against three different concentrations of povidone-iodine (PVP-I), and 15 seconds later, the solution has completely deactivated the virus.
They discovered that even a concentration of 0.5 of iodine could completely inactivate SARS-CoV-2. The researchers, who are from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, said that rinsing with iodine solution can prevent the person-to-person spread of the virus and stop a severe case of COVID-19 by decreasing the amount of virus that travels to the lungs.
Iodine Deactivated SARS-CoV-2
The nose is known to have high levels of the receptor ACE-2, which the virus uses to enter and infect its host. That is why many clinical trials have focused their study on nasal irrigation and washes as a way to control the pandemic, which has killed over 200,000 Americans already.
According to a previous study, PVP-I is effective in inactivating pathogens that are related to the virus, such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
The new study, published in the journal of JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, was conducted through testing samples of the virus against iodine solutions, which are diluted in three different concentrations: 0.5%, 1.25%, and 2,5%.
Then, the PVP-I concentrations were compared to a 70% ethanol solution and observed the reactions for 15 and 30 seconds.
According to their observations, iodine antiseptics completely inactivated the virus in just 15 seconds, even with the lowest concentration of 0.5%. In contrast, ethanol alcohol did not yield the same results at the same time.
The authors wrote that the study demonstrates that 15 seconds is enough to deactivate the virus using an iodine solution. If PVP-I nasal disinfectant is used in patients before the intranasal procedures, it could significantly reduce the risk of virus transmission through droplets and aerosol spread.
Moreover, the researchers also noted that clinicians could instruct p[patients to rinse their noses with PVP-I before their appointments or having a procedure to avoid spread in waiting rooms or other common areas.
They also added that this method could reduce the risk of someone contracting the severe form of COVID-19 as it decreases the viral load that travels to the lungs.
The authors wrote, "povidone-iodine nasal irrigation may be beneficial for the population at large as an adjunct to mask usage as a means of virus mitigation."
But they also cautioned people NOT to TRY this at home because the nasal wash is best done under the supervision of a clinician.
Antiviral Properties of Iodine
Iodine has always been used as an antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-fungal agent, but sadly, there is no financial interest in modern medicine in iodine.
According to a study, iodine offers a severe and effective replacement for much of the antibiotics, and it could be used safely on children. Iodine is mostly used as treatment and prevention of infection in wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, and other minor injuries.
Moreover, iodine can kill Candida and other fungi and microbes. Also, it is prescribed together with antithyroid medicines to prepare the thyroid gland for surgery and to treat overactive thyroid conditions.
Ultimately, iodine provides people wit a safe way to strengthen the immune system against microbes and correct a nutritional deficiency, which is common to many people.
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