Virucidal Activity of Nasal Sprays Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

TL Meister, D Todt, Y Brüggemann, J Steinmann, S Banava, FHH Brill, J Steinmann, S Pfaender, E Steinmann

J Hosp Infect. 2021 Nov 6:S0195-6701(21)00383-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.10.019. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34752803; PMCID: PMC8572043.

The highest viral loads of the newly emerged Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are detectable in the oral cavity, thus, a potential reduction of infectious virus by nasal sprays could lower transmission. Therefore, the inactivation capacity of nine nasal and oral sprays was evaluated according to EN 14476. One nasal spray based on sodium hypochlorite and an oral spray containing essential oils reduced viral titres between 2 to 3 orders of magnitude. Although clinical data is still sparse, nasal and oral sprays display a more convenient application for elderly people or those who are unable to rinse/gargle.