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Thermal inactivation of SARS COVID-2 virus: Are steam inhalations a potential treatment?
Giancarlo la Marca1, Jacopo Barp2, Stefano Frenos3
1Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy; Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Background:
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has upset health systems around the world and caused immeasurable losses and costs. Until a vaccine will become available, the recommended prevention measures remain physical distancing and enhanced hygiene.
Methods And Findings:
The proteic structure external to the virus is the main target that may eventually lead to reduce or block its replication in the upper airways. We developed a protocol based of repeated steam inhalation cycles aimed at reducing the risk of progression to full blown infection if performed soon after contagion. The protocol has been used in a single-center open label trial on ten infected asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic health care professionals.
Conclusions:
The promising results we obtained with this easily accessible, non-invasive and inexpensive procedure should prompt controlled trials.
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