Protection at Portal of Entry (PPE) with Povidone Iodine for COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The current Coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 15 million people worldwide and has been responsible for more than 630,000 deaths worldwide, a significant number of which has been healthcare professionals. Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) has been known as microbicidal agent since the past few decades and it has also demonstrated better anti-viral activity than other antiseptics in a few in vitro studies against other coronaviruses (SARSCoV and MERSCoV). Povidone iodine has also been found to be a safe and effective solution to be used as a gargle or intranasally. Aim and Objectives: Through our study, we would like to propose the application of PVP-I in appropriate and safe concentration through nasal application and oropharyngeal wash to limit the spread of the virus from infected patients to healthcare workers and thus reduce the transmission of COVID-19.