COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Your nose is the main point of entry for bacteria and viruses

Number of Droplets a Sneeze May Produce

40,000

Tiny diseased particles remain suspended in the air on dust particles and droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143281/

COVID-19 and Your Nose

Those diseased particles include the novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. Despite an ongoing global effort to accumulate greater knowledge of the COVID-19 disease, there is currently no widely approved treatment for the disease nor is there a vaccine or antiviral drug available for the public.

  • Several studies have demonstrated high viral ratios within the nasopharynx (area behind the nasal cavity) and oral cavity, and many studies underway are looking to prove that this is the primary source of infection and viral replication. 
  • Additionally, a high nasal viral load (measure of virus particles) has been associated with increased symptoms and higher severity of the disease.

Source: (1) https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMc2001737 (2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7156120/

COVID-19 and Nasal Irrigation

There are a number of studies looking at the effect of nasal saline irrigations in the setting of viral upper respiratory infections, and whether saline irrigations decreased viral shedding (when a virus replicates and then is released from your body) compared to control groups. However, at this time, there is no conclusive evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from COVID-19 infection.

  • There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold (a viral infection), and provide relief from nasal congestion.

*At this time, there is no conclusive evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from COVID-19 infection. Always consult with your Doctor on the appropriate medication and treatment foCOVID-19 or any other disease.

Source: (1) http://www.jogh.org/documents/issue202001/jogh-10-010332.htm (2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17636843/ 

For informational purposes only. Consult your ENT or Primary Care Physician for guidance. 

COVID-19 and Antiseptics or Disinfectants

There’s a big difference between antiseptics and disinfectants. Both kill micro-organisms, however, an antiseptic is applied to the body, while disinfectants are applied to nonliving surfaces, such as countertops and handrails. For example, in a surgical setting a doctor will apply an antiseptic to the surgical site on or in a person’s body and use a disinfectant to sterilize the operating table.

Do not under any circumstance spray or introduce bleach or any other disinfectant into your body. These substances can be poisonous if ingested and cause severe irritations.

Povidone iodine (betadine) and peroxide are often used anti-septic treatments for the nasal cavity during surgery.

Several at-home nasal wash remedies are recommended by various bodies. However, clinical data regarding safe use and appropriate concentrations is only early-stage.*

A recent literature review by Dr. Brian Rotenberg MD MPH FRCSC identified that, "based on available evidence PVP-I routinely administered intra-nasally could potentially be an effective means of propholaxis against COVID-19"

Dr. Brian Rotenberg MD MPH FRCSC 

Professor, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry
Western University

Source: 1) Frank S, Capriotti J, Brown SM, Tessema B. Povidone-iodine use in sinonasal and oral cavities: a review of safety in the COVID-19 era. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal 2020;00: 1-8 2) Bidra AS, Pelletier JS, Westover JB, Frank S, Brown SM, Tessema B. Rapid in-vitro inactivation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using povidone-iodine oral antiseptic rinse. Journal of Prosthodontics 2020; 29: 529-533 3) Ramezanpour M, Smith, JLP, Psaltis AJ, Wormald PJ, Vreugde S. In vitro safety evaluation of a povidone-iodine solution applied to human nasal epithelial cells. Internation Forum of Allergy & Rhinology 2020;00: 1-8 4) Khan MM, Parab SR, Paranjape M. Repurposing 0.5% povidone iodine solution in otorhinolaryngology practice in Covid 19 pandemic. Am J Otolaryngol 2020; 41:1-3 5) Gluck U, Martin U, Bosse B, Reimer K, Mueller S. A clinical study on the tolerability of a liposomal povidone-iodine nasal spray: implications for further development. Head & Neck 2006;42: 1268-1272 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/01455691320932318 - https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04364802 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.mih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC71614801 

Is it COVID or Allergies?

CDC states that COVID-19 affects different people in different ways.

Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htmhttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm

Is it a Common Cold?

Symptoms of a Common cold usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. Signs and symptoms, which can vary from person, might include:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Sore Throat
  • Cough
  • Slight body aches or a mild headache
  • Low-grade fever
  • Generally feeling unwell (malaise)

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605

Stay Informed

An important objective of NasoNeb® is your safety, and safe use of our device.
We’re continuing to learn along with you, and will keep you up-to-date of clinically-proven developments as they arise.

Tweets by CDC.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Tweets by WHO.org

World Health Organization

Tweets by Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins University

Reviews from Happy NasoNeb® Customers with Nasal Symptoms

*Not tested for COVID-19 relief

COVID-19 is Caused by a Virus, NOT by Bacteria

Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Some people who become ill with COVID-19 can also develop a bacterial infection as a complication.In this case, antibiotics may be recommended by a health care provider.

Source: (1) https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/antibiotics (2) https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

Taking care of your nose is a great first step to staying safe and healthy!