Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Mouthwash?: Early Study In Lab Looks At Its Possibility to 'Inactivate' Viruses
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Study: Mouthwash May ‘Inactivate’ Human Coronaviruses
Some oral antiseptics and mouthwashes might be able to inactivate human coronaviruses, making them possibly useful for reducing the amount of virus in the mouth after infection. This might help to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. A group of physicians and scientists at the Penn State College of Medicine tested a 1% solution of several oral and nasopharyngeal rinses — including baby shampoo, a neti pot, peroxide sore-mouth cleansers and mouthwashes — in a laboratory setting for their ability to inactivate human coronaviruses, which are similar in structure to SARS-CoV-2. (Clanton, 10/21)
The New York Times: No, Mouthwash Will Not Save You From The Coronavirus
A rash of provocative headlines this week offered a tantalizing idea: that mouthwash can “inactivate” coronaviruses and help curb their spread. ... But outside experts warned against overinterpreting the study’s results, which might not have practical relevance to the new coronavirus that has killed more than 220,000 Americans. Not only did the study not investigate this deadly new virus, but it also did not test whether mouthwash affects how viruses spread from person to person. (Wu, 10/21)
In other research developments —
CIDRAP: COVID-19 Infectious Period Ranges From 10 To 20 Days, Study Finds
A study yesterday in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that individuals with mild or no COVID-19 symptoms may be infectious for no more than about 10 days, while those with severe illness may be able to spread the virus for as long as 20 days. The infectious periods align with US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for isolation time. An accurate understanding of the infectious period duration is vital for COVID-19 infection control practices, according to the study authors. The meta-analysis reviewed 77 studies worldwide that evaluated duration of viral shedding as detected via replication through polymerase chain reaction. (10/21)
Reuters: Japan Researchers Show Masks Do Block Coronavirus, But Not Perfectly
Japanese researchers showed that masks can offer protection from airborne coronavirus particles, but even professional-grade coverings can’t eliminate contagion risk entirely. Scientists at the University of Tokyo built a secure chamber with mannequin heads facing each other. One head, fitted with a nebulizer, simulated coughing and expelled actual coronavirus particles. The other mimicked natural breathing, with a collection chamber for viruses coming through the airway. (Swift, 10/22)
