Hypothesis Of Protective Effect Anti Covid – 19 Of Iodine And/Or Hydrogen Peroxide Garglings And Mouthwashes To Prevent Infections Through Oral Mucosa

Abstract

Oral cavity mucosa may be a potentially high-risk route of COVID-19 infection. ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme II) receptor on the oral mucosa, which is also the receptor of SARS-CoV and HCoV-NL63, was observed to be highly expressed by the epithelial cells of the tongue [1], therefore oral cavity is a critical site for the study and prevention of COVID-19 infection. The iodine and/or hydrogen peroxide might be helpful in antiviral effect [2] in the context of COVID-19 pandemic [3]. A single oral dose of 130 mg potassium iodide was shown to accumulate in upper airway secretions. Since the virus also affects the eye mucosa, which is also a gateway to Covid 19, the use of Iodine povidone at 0.5- 0.6%, may enhance innate antiviral defenses [4].