Tolerability and safety of Chlorhexidine, and use of PPE

Inspiration

As no specific therapies are available for SARS-CoV-2, early containment and prevention will be crucial to stop the ongoing outbreak and to control this novel infectious thread.The safety of the healthcare personnel is our primary concern so our objective is to evaluate tolerability and safety of Chlorhexidine in association with personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare professionals.

What it does

The oral cavity is directly associated with the evolutionary process of SARS-CoV-2 in its inhalation of ambient particles in the air and in expectorations. Chlorhexidine, a well-known and widely used antiseptic agent, could contribute to lower the SARS-CoV-2 viral load, and thus facilitate the fight against oral transmission.

How I built it

With the simple use by health care personnel of Chlorhexidine gel and spray puff in addition to PPE

Challenges I ran into

Finding a means of personal protection that wouldn't encumber healthworkers who already have to wear overalls, facial masks, gloves, gowns, face shields etc.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

Since it is impossible to add further PPE to the ones already in use, I found this simple method to improve personnel safety.

What I learned

Possibility of improving safety in healthcare professionals.

What's next for tolerability and safety of Chlorhexidine, and use of PPE

The secondary phase will assess the possibility to prevent infection from COVID-19 through facial masks that release Chlorhexidine at every breath the person wearing the mask takes, so that healthcare personnel doesn't need to worry about having to put nasal gel and oral spray in their nose and mouth. That would save time in a time-consuming activity like wearing protective equipment.