Prevention of infection by highly pathogenic viruses using topical application of povidone-iodine on mucous membranes
This invention is directed to methods for prevention of infections by highly pathogenic viruses by applying to the nasal mucous membranes topical preparations comprising the broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent povidone-iodine.
1. A method of decreasing the release of infective SARS-CoV-2 from the nose of a person infected with SARS-CoV-2, the method comprising application to the nasal passages of the infected person an effective amount of a pharmaceutical preparation comprising povidone-iodine (PVP-I) at a concentration of greater than 0.10% w/v and less than about 1.25% w/v.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the PVP-I concentration in the pharmaceutical preparation applied to the nasal passages is about 0.1% to about 1.0% w/v.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the PVP-I concentration in the pharmaceutical preparation applied to the nasal passages is about 0.2% to about 0.5% w/v.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical preparation is applied at a frequency of between 1 and 12 times daily commencing before, after or around the time of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 and/or thereafter.