Can antiseptic rinses help fight against SARS-CoV-2? Current literature review.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus uses the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which has been identified in many places within the oral cavity, to enter the cell. The oral cavity is therefore an important reservoir and potential replication site for SARS-CoV-2. The person-to-person transmission of the virus occurs primarily by droplets. The amount of SARS-CoV-2 virus has been shown to be directly related to the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Oral rinses with proven virucidal ingredients may play an important role as an additional preventive measure to reduce oral viral load and reduce SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission. The current research results indicate that the following ingredients of the rinses have the ability to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus: 0.23% iodine povidone, cetylpyridinium chloride, 0.1% octenidine dihydrochloride with 2.0% phenoxyethanol, dequalin chloride as well as 27% ethyl alcohol with the addition of 0.042% menthol, 0.092% eucalyptol, 0.064% thymol and 0.06% methyl salicylate.

It seems appropriate to introduce the standard use of mouth and throat rinsing with agents of proven antiviral value for: infected people, hospitalized patients, patients under long-term care, asymptomatic people undergoing medical procedures during which it is necessary to remove the protective mask - before proceeding with this procedure. Nasal rinsing (front nostrils) and eye protection (safety glasses) should be considered during all medical procedures.

The use of antiseptic rinses cannot be an alternative to the implemented and constantly binding preventive behaviors. However, it may prove to be a valuable complementary preventive measure. This will protect both patients and medical staff.