Coronavirus: Scientists want to investigate if mou
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Alexandra Thompson
May 14, 2020, 4:00 AM PDT
(Good luck with this one)….
Scientists from Cardiff University are calling for research into whether high-street mouthwashes could reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
The virus is surrounded by a fatty membrane. The scientists have argued the membranes of similar pathogens were disrupted when exposed to ingredients commonly found in mouthwashes, like ethanol, povidone-iodine and cetylpyridinium.
Gargling with mouthwash could inactivate the coronavirus in the throat, helping to prevent it spreading via coughs and sneezes, they added.
Although it is unclear whether this would be the case, the team argued there has been “no discussion” on the potential role of mouthwash in combatting the outbreak.
Early research suggests the coronavirus is mild in four out of five cases, however, it can trigger a respiratory disease called COVID-19.
Alexandra Thompson
May 14, 2020, 4:00 AM PDT
Gargling with mouthwash may prevent infected patients spreading the coronavirus, scientists have claimed. (Getty Images)
Scientists from Cardiff University are calling for research into whether high-street mouthwashes could reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
The virus is surrounded by a fatty membrane. The scientists have argued the membranes of similar pathogens were disrupted when exposed to ingredients commonly found in mouthwashes, like ethanol, povidone-iodine and cetylpyridinium.
Gargling with mouthwash could inactivate the coronavirus in the throat, helping to prevent it spreading via coughs and sneezes, they added.
Although it is unclear whether this would be the case, the team argued there has been “no discussion” on the potential role of mouthwash in combatting the outbreak.
Early research suggests the coronavirus is mild in four out of five cases, however, it can trigger a respiratory disease called COVID-19.
Coronavirus: ‘Urgent need’ to test ‘potential’ of mouthwash
“Safe use of mouthwash – as in gargling – has so far not been considered by public health bodies in the UK,” said Professor Valerie O’Donnell, lead author of a paper on the subject.
“In test tube experiments and limited clinical studies, some mouthwashes contain enough of known virucidal ingredients to effectively target lipids in similar viruses.