Recommendation of the German Society of Hospital Hygiene (DGKH): Prevention of COVID-19 by virucidal gargling and virucidal nasal spray – updated version April 2022

Abstract

The German Society of Hospital Hygiene develops guidelines, recommendations and standard operation procedures on a voluntary basis, published on the DGKH-website ( https://www.krankenhaushygiene.de/ ). The original German version of this recommendation was published in April 2022 and has now been made available to the international professional public in English. Evaluating the current data on the efficacy of virucidal gargle/mouthwash solutions and nasal sprays against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in clinical trials, conducted with preventive or therapeutic objectives, recommendations are given for the prevention of COVID-19. The following areas are considered: Protection of the community when regional clusters or high incidences of infection become known Protection of the community at low risk of infection Pre-exposure prophylaxis for the protection of healthcare workers Post-exposure prophylaxis

Improving Nasal Protection for Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection

“…To this end, it is noteworthy that the German Society of Hospital Hygiene (DGKH) has recently endorsed the use of nasal sprays based on Carragelose, 3 times/daily in older people residing in elderly-care facilities or rehabilitation facilities and sharing communal activities, at family gatherings or professional meetings, schools, kindergartens and religious occasions [ 66 ]. A clinical trial aimed to test the efficiency of nasal filters for preventing airborne contagion by SARS-CoV-2 is also underway [ 67 ]; these devices may have main application in high-risk conditions, such as in healthcare setting where COVID-19 patients are cured.…”