PREVENTION OF COVID-19 INFECTION WITH POVIDONE-IODINE
MD, PhD Luis Mendoza, Sr Medical, Advisor Medical, Scientific Services
In late 2019, a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), appeared in Wuhan, China. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current outbreak of COVID-19 to be a public health emergency of international concern. There is no treatment for COVID-19 infection besides preventive measures recommended by the WHO. Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is an antiseptic that has primarily been used for the prevention or management of wound infections for over 150 years. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties and its safety have been welldocumented. This article reviews the studies that have assessed the antiviral efficacy of PVP-I and its potential use as a prophylactic on the oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal mucosa of healthcare workers, COVID-19 patients, and the community as an additional measure to help abate the pandemic.
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