Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily transmits amongst humans through aerosolization of respiratory droplets. Transmission through contact with contaminated surfaces and other fomites has also been documented. Consistent and diligent antisepsis of surfaces and the skin can prevent this communicable coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

A recent study evaluated nasal and oral antiseptic formulations of PVP-I (nasal antiseptic formulations and oral rinse antiseptic formulations from 1% to 5% concentrations) for the virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2. Here, the virus was directly exposed to the test compound for 60 seconds, compounds were then neutralized, and the surviving virus was quantified.

The results revealed that all concentrations of nasal antiseptics and oral rinse antiseptics used completely inactivated the SARS-CoV-2.

It was inferred that oral and nasal PVP-I antiseptic solutions are effective at inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 at a variety of concentrations after an only 60-second exposure. These formulations can aid in diminishing transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 with usage for oral decontamination, nasal decontamination, or surface antisepsis.

Source: Pelletier JS, Tessema B, Frank S, Westover JB, Brown SM, Capriotti JA. Efficacy of Povidone-Iodine Nasal and Oral Antiseptic Preparations Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [published correction appears in Ear Nose Throat J. 2020 Dec 8; 145561320977784]. Ear Nose Throat J. 2021;100(2_suppl):192S-196S. doi:10.1177/0145561320957237