Statins-based prophylactic mouthwash and nasal spray may protect against coronavirus disease 2019

Abstract

The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused an unprecedented healthcare crisis. SARS-CoV-2 gets access into the human body mainly through the nose and the mouth and invades these mucosae in its destination to the pulmonary tissues. Thus, the oral and nasal mucosae serve as the main routes and reservoirs for aerosolized transmission of the viral particles to the external environment and hence infection transmission. Statins have been shown to have antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. Therefore, we hypothesize that using statins-based prophylactic mouthwashes will reduce COVID-19 transmission in dental settings.