The Role of Povidone Iodine Mouthwash &Nasal Spray or Drop or Inhalation for Protection (Prevention &Treatment) of Health Care Professionals as Well as Patients and Reduction of Cross Infection during Current COVID-19 Pandemic Situation

Povidone-iodine or PVP-I products for gargling the throat and spraying the nose may have a prophylatic effect during this COVID-19 outbreak. PVP-I is the proven & time trusted antiseptic agent, having best possible (99.99%) virucidal effect (even against SARS- CoV, MERS- CoV and SARS-CoV2) in it's 0.23% concentration. (Povidone Iodine is safe for gargling as mouthwash, for inhalation or instillation as nasal spray, drop or vapour. ) A protocol should be made for nasal application and oropharyngeal wash of PVP-I for the patients as well as for the health care professionals (HCP) for the prevention of disease transmission from patient to HCP or from HCP to patient. Thus the incidence of COVID-19 will be reduced. Health care professionals as well as the patient should use it prior to treat, handle or perform procedures in and around the mouth or nose regardless the patient is COVID-19 positive or not. COVID-19 positive patients should use it to reduce the viral load of aerodigestive tract. (Patients undergoing aerosol generating procedures (like suction, intubation etc) should also be treated with PVP-I. )