Hydrogen Peroxide for CoVID-19

Scientific evidence suggests that the epithelial lining of the salivary glands is the initial target site of infection by the Betacoronavirus group of viruses, including CoVID-19. 

Salivary gland cells express the same enzyme which acts as the primary receptor for the coronavirus in the lower respiratory tract epithelium, namely angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). This initial seeding of the virus in the salivary glands presents a significant challenge but also some opportunities to tackle the CoVID-19. 

The massive challenge presented by the presence of the virus in the salivary glands is that it can be easily spread by droplets of saliva very early on in the course of the illness, possibly even before symptoms are noted by the patient. 

However there is a silver lining. Firstly,  the presence of the virus in the salivary gland provides a convenient way to test for it. In fact, saliva tests for CoVID-19 are in use based on these established findings. 

The initial focus in salivary glands also provides a valuable opportunity to slow the virus during the early stages of the infection. As there are usually few, or no warning symptoms at the outset of exposure or infection, this strategy has to be employed as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of infection, progression to the lower respiratory tract and lessen the chances of it spreading to others. 

It involves rinsing the mouth with hydrogen peroxide twice daily, after meals or after any suspected contact. This recommendation is supported by lab studies. In vitro studies found that 3% hydrogen peroxide inactivated a number of common viruses including adenovirus, rhinoviruses (common cold), myxoviruses, influenza types A and B, respiratory syncytial virus and a strain of coronavirus (229E). Fortunately, influenza and coronavirus were the most sensitive to inactivation by hydrogen peroxide. 

Three percent hydrogen peroxide is too irritating to the mucosal surface so we recommend 1.5 % hydrogen peroxide which is a 1:1 mixture (equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and water). You must be careful  NOT TO SWALLOW the hydrogen peroxide and AVOID IN YOUNG CHILDREN. If you do mix the diluted hydrogen peroxide in advance, remember to SHAKE before using to disperse the water and hydrogen peroxide evenly in the solution.