Covid-19 - preventing transmission (mobile only)

Abstract:

As the current pandemic rages, new scientific research offers a glimmer of hope in reducing transmission rates until a vaccine can be created.

The research strongly supports the conclusion that for those infected with novel coronavirus, simply rinsing their mouth with oral antiseptic mouthwash can prevent them transmitting the virus to those they come in to close proximity with.

SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for covid-19 infections. The main way that SARS-CoV-2 is passed from person to person involves direct contact with respiratory aerosols or droplets from infected individuals - becoming airborne during sneezing, coughing, and talking.

Encouragingly, recent research proves SARS-CoV-2 can be inactivated by antiseptic mouthwash in a laboratory setting. This strongly supports but does not definitively prove the conclusion that the same happens in the human mouth, the caveat being - in the laboratory the scientists only recreated the conditions found in the human mouth. However despite that it seems pretty certain to work similarly in the mouth.

Conclusion and policy recommendation:

Although more research is needed to affirm the details, it seems at this stage that the scientific research is strong enough to recommend for public health advice that those infected should use a Listerine type mouthwash up to five times a day when at home with others. There is absolutely no harm in doing this and nothing to lose, but the benefits could make a real difference and save lives.

Governments should advise this course of action to citizens along with the clear warning that this only acts as another layer of protection and is not to replace hand washing or wearing masks.

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Author: David Ian Bennett

Published: 31/Oct/20

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