Povidone-Iodine may be the “Silver Bullet” in the Prevention and Control of Covid-19 Infection, Based on New Scientific Data

The current Covid-19 pandemic is caused by a highly contagious novel coronavirus which originated from Wuhan China in 2019 [1]. Povidone-iodine (P-I) is known to have virucidal activity [2], that is far superior to any of the commonly used antiseptic agents, including chlorhexidine gluconate and benzalkonium choloride [3]. Previous in vitro studies have shown P-I to be effective against coronaviruses responsible for Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) [4] and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) [5]. Very recently, in vitro experiments have demonstrated that P-I is also virucidal against Covid-19 [6]. In my opinion, P-I is the new PPE and its topical usage in nose, oral cavity and pharynx is now one of the best ways to Flatten the Curve of Covid-19, especially in countries like USA, India and Brazil. Furthermore, P-I maybe the “silver bullet” in the prevention and control of Covid-19 infection, based on the recent in vitro studies [6] and personal observations in ENT clinical practice.