There’s still plenty of COVID cases around, and we know how to minimise our risk of exposure, and transmission to others. But what if you’ve just found out your a close contact? If you’ve had a get together and one of you has come down with COVID since. Is there more you can do to prevent infection for yourself?
Yes.
Here are 5 good options:
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Use a mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)
The virus that caused COVID is SARS-CoV-2. It enters our body via our mouth or nose. It quickly multiplies in either cavity before spreading further down our airways. Using a solution that can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in these cavities has been shown to reduce the likelihood of COVID infection. Mouthwashes containing CPC currently available in major supermarkets and chemists (in no particular order) include:
- Oral-B Clinical Alcohol Free Fluoride Rinse Clean Mint Mouthwash
- Colgate Plax Antibacterial Mouthwash Freshmint Alcohol Free 500ml
- Colgate Plax Antibacterial Mouthwash Fresh Tea Alcohol Free 500ml
- Colgate Neutrafluor 220 Daily Fluoride Mouth Rinse Mint 473ml
- Colgate Plax Ice Fusion Antibacterial Mouthwash Cold Mint 500ml
- Colgate Plax Antibacterial Mouthwash Freshmint Alcohol Free 250ml
- Colgate Plax Antibacterial Mouthwash Peppermint Alcohol Free 500ml
- Colgate Plax Antibacterial Mouthwash Peppermint Alcohol Free 500ml
- Colgate Plax Antibacterial Mouthwash Freshmint Alcohol Free 1l
- Listerine Smart Rinse Mouthwash For Kids Berry 500ml
- Coles Pro Zero Mouthwash
- Coles Pro Teeth Defence Mouthwash
2. Gargle Chlorhexidine.
Brand name is Savacol, available in pharmacies. Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent that has been shown to be effective in killing enveloped viruses, including SARS‐CoV‐2. The tricky part is gargling for 30 seconds, right at the back of your throat. It’s harder than it sounds. Certainly possible. Counting and pausing to breathe through your nose helps.
3. Use a Nasal Spray. Numerous studies have confirmed that povidone-iodine (PI) inactivates many common respiratory viruses, including SARS. 10–20 ml 1% PVP-solution is placed into the nasal cavity. Three recent studies identified a reduction in viral load in saliva after the use of mouthrinses with PI (up to three hours), chlorhexidine (up to four hours), or CPC-containing mouthwash (up to six hours). So use 15 ml 1% PVP-I as a swish and spit for 30 seconds or dilute betadine throat gargle by putting it into a saline nasal spray bottle (to a 1% PVP solution). Don’t forget to dilute it! I did once. Ouch. PVP-I functions as an antiseptic through several mechanisms and is considered to have the broadest spectrum of action compared to other common antiseptics such as chlorhexidine. Through oxidation of cell surface receptors, PVP-I prevents the attachment of viruses to cellular receptors.
4. Take Vitamin C. High-dose vitamin C has been shown to enhance immunity, reduce inflammation, improve oxygen support status, and reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients, all without causing any negative side effects. What is high dose? 2000mg daily, increasing by 1000mg each day, up to 5000mg daily, or until you get diarrhoea. Stop increasing the dose then. Sound unpleasant? Sure, but it’s cleaning your gut whilst preventing/ treating COVID.
5. Take Quercetin. Quercetin displays a broad range of antiviral properties which can interfere at multiple steps of pathogen virulence -virus entry, virus replication, protein assembly. You can buy Quercetin in supplement form and dose according to the manufacturers instructions. You can also eat Quercetin-rich foods, which are apples, honey, raspberries, onions, red grapes, cherries, citrus fruits, and green leafy vegetables.
You can hedge your bets and do all of the above! I certainly do after exposure.
Stay well!
Written by,
Dr Elaine Hickman
B.H.Sc.TCM (Acupuncture), Cert.Cl.Ac. (Beijing)
Elaine has trained and worked in various settings, both in Australia and China. She has over 22 years experience in treating many health problems. Elaine loves to provide a health care experience for people that is respectful, effective, empowering and enjoyable. Elaine has particular expertise in Women’s Health, Children’s Health, Family Medicine and Wellness promotion.
Elaine is available for consultations:
Monday & Tuesday
Call (03) 9486 5966
References
Dutta, Sanchari Sinha. (2021, August 09). Cetylpyridinium chloride-containing mouthwashes shown to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in oral cavity. News-Medical. Retrieved on January 09, 2023 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210809/Cetylpyridinium-chloride-containing-mouthwashes-shown-to-inhibit-SARS-CoV-2-in-oral-cavity.aspx.
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