Saliva Droplets Research Articles

IOT-Based Monitoring and Controlling of Automatic Water Dispenser with Face Mask Detection

Abstract: The study aimed to investigate the water quality parameters along with the usage of a face mask detector to prevent contagious diseases. Water dispensers are usually placed at schools, offices, hospitals, bus stations, railway stations, etc., due to inappropriate usage, these water dispensers are becoming the source of contact for diseases spreading through saliva droplets, sneeze, and cough. In the traditional type of water dispensers, a person needs to come in contact with the dispenser to fetch the water and this may lead to the spreading of diseases very rapidly. This paper presents the automatic dispenser without any physical contact and will be operated only using a face mask and bottle detector by this configuration we can also prevent water loss by the predefined quantity, also this helps the admin to monitor the automatic water dispenser by using internet of things (IoT). By adopting this method one can get quality and hygienic water. Also, this creates awareness among society. This system prevents the spreading of contagious diseases like severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Light curing infection control barriers: do some types jeopardize the concept of conventional bulk-fill composites?

BackgroundUsing infection control barriers (ICBs) on light curing units (LCUs) became mandatory to achieve proper infection control measures without jeopardizing the integrity of the restorations, especially at deeper layers. This study explored the effect of two ICBs on the irradiance of the LCU, as well as the degree of conversion (DC) and flexural strength (FS) of two types of bulk-fill composites. Water vapor permeability (WVP) of both barriers was also assessed to evaluate the capability of such barriers to prevent transmission of blood and saliva droplets and aerosols.MethodsTwo bulk-fill composites (X-tra fil and Tetric N- ceram) and two ICBs (Pinnacle Cure sleeve and Sanita wrapping film) were used in this study. Light irradiance was recorded per experimental condition using spectroradiometer. For DC and FS, specimens of 4 mm thickness were prepared. Each specimen was composed of two separable upper and lower layers of thickness 2 mm. DC and FS were measured using Infra-red spectroscopy and three-point loading test respectively. WVP was investigated using the cup method. Means and standard deviations were calculated, and the data were statistically analyzed using factorial analysis of variance test (α = 0.05).ResultsLight irradiance showed highest values using no ICBs and lowest values using Pinnacle curing sleeve. Both bulk-fill composites showed higher DC mean values without ICBs and when using Sanita wrapping film for both upper and lower layers of the specimens compared to Pinnacle curing sleeve. The upper layers of composite specimens showed higher DC compared to lower layers for all experimental conditions. Both ICBs had no adverse effect on FS of both composites’ upper layers. Pinnacle sleeve significantly reduced FS of both composites’ lower layers. X-tra fil showed higher DC and FS compared to Tetric N-Ceram for all experimental conditions. Regarding WVP; the wrapping film showed higher WVP compared to the curing sleeve.ConclusionsSanita wrapping film can be used as a successful ICB, without jeopardizing the concept of bulk-fill composites. Pinnacle cure sleeve can be considered an effective ICB, however its influence on properties and serviceability of bulk-fill composites remains questionable.

On particle dispersion statistics using unsupervised learning and Gaussian mixture models

Understanding the dispersion of particles in enclosed spaces is crucial for controlling the spread of infectious diseases. This study introduces an innovative approach that combines an unsupervised learning algorithm with a Gaussian mixture model to analyze the behavior of saliva droplets emitted from a coughing individual. The algorithm effectively clusters data, while the Gaussian mixture model captures the distribution of these clusters, revealing underlying sub-populations and variations in particle dispersion. Using computational fluid dynamics simulation data, this integrated method offers a robust, data-driven perspective on particle dynamics, unveiling intricate patterns and probabilistic distributions previously unattainable. The combined approach significantly enhances the accuracy and interpretability of predictions, providing valuable insights for public health strategies to prevent virus transmission in indoor environments. The practical implications of this study are profound, as it demonstrates the potential of advanced unsupervised learning techniques in addressing complex biomedical and engineering challenges and underscores the importance of coupling sophisticated algorithms with statistical models for comprehensive data analysis. The potential impact of these findings on public health strategies is significant, highlighting the relevance of this research to real-world applications.

Stability of influenza A virus in droplets and aerosols is heightened by the presence of commensal respiratory bacteria.

Aerosol transmission remains a major challenge for control of respiratory viruses, particularly those causing recurrent epidemics, like influenza A virus (IAV). These viruses are rarely expelled alone, but instead are embedded in a consortium of microorganisms that populate the respiratory tract. The impact of microbial communities and inter-pathogen interactions upon stability of transmitted viruses is well-characterized for enteric pathogens, but is under-studied in the respiratory niche. Here, we assessed whether the presence of five different species of commensal respiratory bacteria could influence the persistence of IAV within phosphate-buffered saline and artificial saliva droplets deposited on surfaces at typical indoor air humidity, and within airborne aerosol particles. In droplets, presence of individual species or a mixed bacterial community resulted in 10- to 100-fold more infectious IAV remaining after 1 h, due to bacterial-mediated flattening of drying droplets and early efflorescence. Even when no efflorescence occurred at high humidity or the bacteria-induced changes in droplet morphology were abolished by aerosolization instead of deposition on a well plate, the bacteria remained protective. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the most stabilizing compared to other commensals at equivalent density, indicating the composition of an individual's respiratory microbiota is a previously unconsidered factor influencing expelled virus persistence.IMPORTANCEIt is known that respiratory infections such as coronavirus disease 2019 and influenza are transmitted by release of virus-containing aerosols and larger droplets by an infected host. The survival time of viruses expelled into the environment can vary depending on temperature, room air humidity, UV exposure, air composition, and suspending fluid. However, few studies consider the fact that respiratory viruses are not alone in the respiratory tract-we are constantly colonized by a plethora of bacteria in our noses, mouth, and lower respiratory system. In the gut, enteric viruses are known to be stabilized against inactivation and environmental decay by gut bacteria. Despite the presence of a similarly complex bacterial microbiota in the respiratory tract, few studies have investigated whether viral stabilization could occur in this niche. Here, we address this question by investigating influenza A virus stabilization by a range of commensal bacteria in systems representing respiratory aerosols and droplets.

Concern about the risk of aerosol contamination from ultrasonic scaler: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMany instruments used in dentistry are rotary, such as handpieces, water syringes, and ultrasonic scalers that produce aerosols. The spray created by these instruments can carry, in addition to water, droplets of saliva, blood, and microorganisms, which can pose a risk of infections for healthcare professionals and patients. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this gained attention.ObjectiveThe aim was to carry out a systematic review of the evidence of the scope of the aerosol produced by ultrasonic scaler in environmental contamination and the influence of the use of intraoral suction reduction devices.DesignScientific literature was searched until June 19, 2021 in 6 databases: Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of science, Scopus, Virtual Health Library and Cochrane Library, without restrictions on language or publication date. Studies that evaluated the range of the aerosol produced by ultrasonic scaler during scaling/prophylaxis and the control of environmental contamination generated by it with the use of low (LVE) and high (HVE) volume evacuation systems were included.ResultsOf the 1893 potentially relevant articles, 5 of which were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The meta-analysis of 3 RCTs showed that, even at different distances from the patient’s oral cavity, there was a significant increase in airborne bacteria in the dental environment with the use of ultrasonic scaler. In contrast, when meta-analysis compared the use of HVE with LVE, there was no significant difference (P = 0.40/CI -0.71[-2.37, 0.95]) for aerosol produced in the environment.ConclusionsThere is an increase in the concentration of bioaerosol in the dental environment during the use of ultrasonic scaler in scaling/prophylaxis, reaching up to 2 m away from the patient’s mouth and the use of LVE, HVE or a combination of different devices, can be effective in reducing air contamination in the dental environment, with no important difference between different types of suction devices.

Infection Control Practices in Dental Clinics and Dental Care Settings during COVID - 19's Spread: A Comprehensive Review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome. Dental care units and settings face various problems relating to the transmission of disease during treatment and dental operations. The degree to which the healthcare system is ready affects how well coronavirus illness is managed. Blood, saliva, and mixed water droplets possessing the virus cause contamination of equipment used for dental treatment. Both patients and workers may become transmitters and infectors of COVID-19 through direct contact during dental operations. It is possible for dental professionals and patients to contract COVID-19 and spread it to others. The dental care routine is very effective as we discussed below the prevention steps are very effective. All healthcare workers at the dentistry clinics should collaborate to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus among patients. The primary aim is to make dental health care providers aware of the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and to increase their preparedness and understanding of this challenge, which will aid in controlling transmission. The information and data that collected will be useful for the dental community in providing effective patient management through evidence-based recommendations for infection control and disinfection protocols.

LEPROSY TREATMENT ABANDONMENT RATE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN MATO GROSSO

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease, whose etiological agent is Mycobacterium leprae, transmitted through droplets of saliva eliminated when speaking, coughing and sneezing. Objective: The article in question aims to identify the factors associated with the incidence of abandonment of leprosy treatment in the State of Mato Grosso. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was used, analyzing data provided by the DATASUS database, in the period 2011-2021. Results: Over a 10-year period, the disease showed a high incidence in the age group from 15 to 59 years old, in both sexes. The main reasons for this were: alcohol intake, socioeconomic conditions, forgetfulness, non-acceptance of the disease and mainly the patient's mental health. Conclusion: The profile obtained highlighted the importance of full adherence to treatment, in order to interrupt the chain of transmission and avoid possible complications.

Discerning biomimetic nanozyme electrodes based on g-C3N4 nanosheets and molecularly imprinted polythiophene nanofibers for detecting creatinine in microliter droplets of human saliva

The growing risk of death associated with kidney dysfunction underlines the requirement for a cost-effective and precise point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tool to identify chronic kidney disease (CKD) at an early stage. This work reports the development of a non-invasive POC diagnostic based on cost-efficient, disposable electrodes and in situ-designed biomimetic nanozymes. The nanozymes are composed of graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (gCN) and creatinine-imprinted polythiophene nanofibers (miPTh). Microscopic analyses reveal porous nanofibrous surface morphology of biomimetic miPTh/gCN nanozymes. Bulk imprinting and the inclusion of conductive gCN nanosheets drastically reduced the charge transfer resistance and improved the electron exchange kinetics at the nanozyme-electrolyte interface. The electrochemical oxidation of creatinine is studied via cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), which exhibit excellent creatinine recognition ability of biomimetic miPTh/gCN nanozyme sensors compared to pristine polymeric or non-imprinted nanozymes. The sensor reveals linear response toward 200–1000 nmol L−1 creatinine, high sensitivity (4.27 μA cm−2 nmol−1 L), sub-nanomolar detection limit (340 pmol L−1), and excellent selectivity over common salivary analytes. To corroborate its real-world utility, the miPTh/gCN nanozyme sensor shows an impressive 94.8% recovery of spiked creatinine concentrations in microliter droplets of human saliva samples. This disposable sensor reveals great potential in the realm of reliable and efficient non-invasive POC diagnostics for healthcare delivery.

Experimental Design for the Observation of Saliva Droplets Using a High-Speed Camera

Disease transmission is often caused by viruses or bacteria contained in salivary droplets. Salivary droplets are produced from breathing, coughing, and sneezing activities. The extent of droplet dispersal can determine the safe distance between individuals when interacting, many studies have taken a simulation and modeling approach, arguing that the risk of exposure to pathogens. In this study, we attempted to set up an instrument to experimentally observe the flow of saliva droplets emitted during sneezing using a High-Speed Camera (HSC) model Phantom T-1340 without using a light sheet. Additionally, this study did not use lasers for the comfort and safety of individuals during recording of sneezing phenomena. The observation results explain that the sneezing phenomenon occurs within a time frame of 300 ms. The number of droplets observed was 246 with an observation probability of only 66%. The saliva fluid emitted is considered as large particles (bulk droplets) that undergo refraction due to two main factors, namely external and internal factors. External factors are influenced by environmental air flow rate, humidity, and temperature. Internal factors refer to the contents present in saliva such as water, protein, enzymes, and mucus or mucin.

Pengaruh Paham Keagamaan Terhadap Penerimaan Vaksin Measles Rubella

Vaccines are a type of drug that trains the body's immune system, so that it can fight diseases that have never occurred before. Vaccines are designed to prevent disease. This is certainly better, than treating the disease after you have contracted it. Vaccines contain weakened or inactive parts of certain organisms or viruses (antigens) to trigger an immune response in the body. The MR vaccine is a vaccine given to all children aged 9 months to 15 years, to prevent diseases caused by measles and rubella viruses. Measles and rubella are diseases caused by viruses, these diseases are very easy to contract and this virus easily infects people whose immune systems are weak, have never had measles, and have never received a measles vaccine. This virus is transmitted through the respiratory tract through droplets of saliva in the air that come out when a sufferer coughs or sneezes. Children and adults who have never been immunized against measles and rubella are at high risk of contracting these diseases.

Assessment of Salivary Glands as Reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2 and the Contagiousness of Saliva in Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients: Is Delta Variant More Contagious?

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection transmits when aerosols or droplets containing the virus are inhaled or come directly into contact, mainly in close contact with an infected person. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the role of the salivary glands in the secretion of SARS-CoV-2-infected saliva and determine the contagiousness of saliva in asymptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study between March 2021 and March 2022, 85 asymptomatic COVID-19 individuals with positive nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs were recruited. The SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold (Ct) value was investigated in concomitant nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS), saliva, and pure saliva (collected directly from the salivary duct opening) using Real Time-PCR assay. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 23), and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The saliva Ct-value was the lowest (the highest viral load) for Delta (29.82 ± 4.66), Omicron (32.75 ± 4.82), and Alpha (36.83 ± 4.8) variants, respectively. Delta-infected saliva and pure saliva revealed the strongest correlation (correlation coefficient = 0.971, P < 0.001). Saliva Ct-value was significantly lower in Delta- (P < 0.001) and Omicron- (P = 0.012) infected patients than in Alpha-infected patients. The pure saliva Ct-value was significantly lower (P = 0.014) in Delta samples (30.13 ± 4.51). Asymptomatic Alpha- and Omicron-infected patients revealed significantly lower NPS Ct-value (30.52 ± 4.02 and 29.44 ± 3.34) than the saliva (36.83 ± 4.8 and 32.75 ± 4.82). Conclusions: The major salivary glands secrete SARS-CoV-2-infected saliva in nearly all Delta-infected and most Omicron-infected asymptomatic individuals. Although the transmission process is complex, saliva droplets and aerosols seem to have a higher contagiousness potential in individuals infected with the Delta variant.

Knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention: Evidence from health and demographic surveillance in Southern Mozambique.

Understanding community members' knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and prevention is essential for directing public health interventions to reduce disease spread and improve vaccination coverage. Here, we describe knowledge of COVID-19 transmission, prevention, and symptoms among community residents in Mozambique. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 33,087 households in a Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Manhiça, Mozambique. Participants were recruited in April 2021 before the Delta variant wave to the peak of Omicron cases in February 2022. Principal components analysis was used to create scores representing knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention. Multiple imputation and quasi-Poisson regression were used to examine associations between demographic characteristics and sources of COVID-19 information, and knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention. We examined whether sources of COVID-19 information mediated the relationship between educational attainment and knowledge of symptoms, transmission, and prevention. Across this rural community, 98.2%, 97.0%, and 85.1% of respondents reported knowing how COVID-19 could be prevented, that SARS-CoV-2 can cause disease, and how SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted, respectively. The most recognized COVID-19 symptoms were cough (51.2%), headaches (44.9%), and fever (44.5%); transmission mechanisms were saliva droplets (50.5%) or aerosol (46.9%) from an infected person; and prevention measures were handwashing (91.9%) and mask-wearing (91.8%). Characteristics associated with greater knowledge of symptoms, transmission, and prevention included having at least primary education, older age, employment, higher wealth, and Christian religion. Respondents who had experienced COVID-19 symptoms were also more likely to possess knowledge of symptoms, transmission, and prevention. Receiving information from television, WhatsApp, radio, and hospital, mediated the relationship between educational attainment and knowledge scores. These findings support the need for outreach and for community-engaged messaging to promote prevention measures, particularly among people with low education.

Virus spreading in cruiser cabin

This paper concerns virus droplet simulations in a typical cruiser's cabin. Effects of ventilation rates and positions of the coughing person were investigated. The study also emphasizes the importance of including evaporation models to simulate the process accurately. A higher ventilation rate is not always the best strategy to avoid the spread of airborne diseases, as saliva droplets can spread further at high ventilation rates. Regardless of the ventilation strategy, they evaporate faster than the room's air renewal. One should aim for minimum droplet spreading inside the cabin and different ventilation strategies for occupied cabins. The authors propose using ventilation systems at medium flow rates of around 120 m3/h or three air changes per hour when a cabin is occupied. This value is also close to the recommended value of 108 m3/h from the latest standard by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The suggested value minimizes droplet spreading while maintaining good ventilation, comfort, and energy consumption.

Prevalence of COVID-19 infection among dental and nursing students in Alappuzha

Background: The Corona Virus (SARS-COV2) is one of the major pathogens that affect the human respiratory system. As it spreads via droplets, healthcare workers are at increased risk of acquiring the infection. Nursing students who are exposed to the hospital setting during their clinical postings are prone to infection because they may provide care to patients who are suspected of or diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. In dentistry, the use of hand pieces and ultrasonic instruments during dental procedures unavoidably result in generation of blood and saliva droplets. Objective was to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among Dental and Nursing students of Government dental college and nursing college, Alappuzha. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Dental and Nursing students of Government TD Dental College and Nursing College, Alappuzha in November 2021. Convenient sampling was done and persons who were willing to take part in the study were distributed with a pretested questionnaire via Google Form and data was collected and analysed. Results: Out of the 174 study participants, 77 were Dental students and 97 were Nursing students, 33% of Dental students and 36% of Nursing students reported of being infected with COVID-19 virus. Significant association was obtained between COVID-19 infection and contact with Covid positive case. Conclusions: Prevalence of COVID-19 infection among Dental and Nursing students was 35.10%. Prevalence of COVID-19 infection among Dental students and Nursing students were 33% and 36% respectively.

Airborne virus transmission: Increased spreading due to formation of hollow particles

The globally supported social distancing rules to prevent airborne transmission of COVID-19 assume small saliva droplets evaporate fast and large ones, which contain most viral copies, fall fast to the ground. However, during evaporation, solutes distribute non-uniformly within the droplets. We developed a numerical model to predict saliva droplet drying in different environments. We represent saliva droplets as a solution of NaCl mixed with water. In a hot and dry ambiance, the solutes form a shell on the droplets' surface, producing light, hollow particles. These hollow particles have a larger cross-sectional area compared to their solid counterparts and can float longer and travel farther in the air. We introduced the “hollowness factor,” which serves as a measure of the ratio of the volume of a hollow particle and the volume of a solid residue formed during droplet drying. Through our investigations, we determined that under specific conditions, namely an ambient humidity level of 10% and a temperature of 40°C, the highest hollowness factor observed was 1.610. This finding indicates that in the case of hollow particle formation, the droplet nucleus expands by a factor of 1.610 compared to its original size.

Investigation of the Artificial Saliva and Saline Droplet Size Measurement Accuracy for COVID-19 Infection Control

Investigation of the Artificial Saliva and Saline Droplet Size Measurement Accuracy for COVID-19 Infection Control

ORAL MANIFESTATIONS AND INJURIES RELATED TO COVID-19: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT ON THE ROLE OF HOSPITAL DENTISTRY

SARS-COV-2 is transmitted among human beings by saliva droplets that come in direct contact with the oral cavity, nose, and eyes. Since the mouth is one of the anatomical sites primarily contaminated, oral manifestations have also been reported beyond the serious consequences inherent to progressive respiratory failure. This study aimed to identify oral manifestations possibly related to the infection by COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. A prospective study was carried out with patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the period between March and June 2021, admitted to the Moderate COVID-19 Care Unit of the Hans Dieter Schmidt Regional Hospital, by applying a form and performing a clinical exam of the oral cavity. Out of all patients (n=45), 33.3% reported both olfactory (anosmia) and taste dysfunction (dysgeusia), with an average duration of 5.9 ±3.0 days. Regarding other oral manifestations evaluated, two patients reported dry and burning mouth and one patient reported a change in taste associated with plaque-like changes in the tongue. No patients presented ulcers or other lesions in the oral cavity. Olfactory and taste dysfunction were symptoms recognized of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, the association with other oral manifestations is still controversy. Unfortunately, dentistry professionals are still not part of most teams in the hospital environment, mostly because of the lack of prioritization of dental care. Working with a multidisciplinary team may avoid possible systemic complications due to poor dental care.

Exhaled aerosols and saliva droplets measured in time and 3D space: Quantification of pathogens flow rate applied to SARS‐CoV‐2

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2 and its ever‐emerging variants are spread from host‐to‐host via expelled respiratory aerosols and saliva droplets. Knowing the number of virions which are exhaled by a person requires precise measurements of the size, count, velocity and trajectory of the virus‐laden particles that are ejected directly from the mouth. These measurements are achieved in 3D, at 15,000 images/s, and are applied when speaking, yelling and coughing. In this study, 33 events have been analysed by post‐processing ∼500,000 images. Using these data, the flow rates of SARS‐CoV‐2 virions have been evaluated. At high concentrations, 107 virions/mL, it is found that 136–231 virions are ejected during a single cough, where the virion flow rate peak is capable of reaching 32 virions within a millisecond. This peak can reach tens of virions/ms when yelling but reduced to only a few virions/ms when speaking. At medium concentrations, ∼105 virions/mL, those results are hundreds of times lower. The total number of virions that are ejected when yelling at 110 dB, instead of speaking at 85 dB, increases by two‐ to threefold. From the measured data analysed in this article, the flow rate of other diseases, such as influenza, tuberculosis or measles, can also be estimated. As these data are openly accessible, they can be used by modellers for the simulation of saliva droplet transport and evaporation, allowing to further advance our understanding of airborne pathogen transmission.Key points Advanced, optimized and combined laser‐based imaging techniques for temporally sizing and tracking respiratory droplets and aerosols. Understanding how pathogens are being ejected from the mouth when speaking, yelling and coughing. Quantifying and analysing the variation of SARS‐CoV‐2 flow rates emission during exhalation.

IODINE AS A POTENTIAL FRONT-LINE DEFENSE AGAINST COVID-19: A LITERATURE REVIEW

The novel coronavirus disease, first identified in 2019 known as COVID-19, is caused by a new strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-1), named SARS-CoV-2. Recent studies showed that the virus may be airborne and spreads through small respiratory droplets of saliva in aerosols, indirect or direct physical contact with the affected individual, in a similar way to the cold and influenza. Emerging studies also demonstrate the importance of the throat along with salivary glands as sites of viral replication and transmission in early COVID-19 infection. The most common route of entry of SARS-CoV-2 is the upper respiratory tract (nasopharynx) that slowly reaches the lower respiratory tract to infect the epithelial cells within the lungs which can cause lung damage and severe respiratory symptoms, if not treated immediately. Averting colonization of the virus in the nasopharynx could be one of the best options to reduce the incidence of severe infection. It has been well-documented that iodine is one of the most effective of all antimicrobials available. Hospitals and medical facilities worldwide use povidone-iodine (PVP-I) as a standard of care in infection control. Several research studies during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic showed the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of iodine-containing solutions such as PVP-I (Betadine), Iodine-V (Essential Iodine Drops) etc. and other iodine complexes to effectively kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus within few seconds to hours. Few commercially available iodine-containing gargling, mouthwash, and nasal spray solutions have been recommended to use in humans against SARS-CoV-2 infection by experts to prevent viral spread, especially among health workers. The present article aims to summarize these studies and highlights the rationale, safety and recommendations of use of iodine as an effective method to decrease the viral load during the early COVID-19 infection.

Communication Strategies in Relation to COVID-19 in South Africa and Ghana: A Systematic Review

COVID-19 is a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SAR–CoV-2) spread from person to person through infected air droplets of saliva and discharged from sneezes and coughs. This study seeks to contribute to knowledge and understanding of how coronavirus outbreaks could be addressed by examining communication and media strategies used by governments and public health institutions in South Africa and Ghana during the coronavirus pandemic. The study systematically analysed published data on COVID-19 in South Africa and Ghana from 2019 to 2020 to identify recurring themes to discuss issues regarding communication strategies in response to the outbreak. This study found various inadequacies and challenges to communication and media strategies to address the spread of COVID-19. The governments and public health institutions in South Africa and Ghana used multiple mass media channels to communicate different messages and create awareness about COVID-19. This article recommends the improvement of communication and media engagements between governments and health stakeholders in South Africa and Ghana to increase public awareness of the risks, threats and outcomes of COVID-19. The media in South Africa and Ghana must conduct fact finding of information about coronavirus from official sources in government and health institutions before dissemination to the public to minimise fake news, misinformation and disinformation. The governments and health institutions must not rely solely on traditional mass media strategies but also integrate indigenous communication strategies for engagements to address the challenges of mass media to increase public awareness about COVID-19 in South Africa and Ghana.