Purpose

The study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) containing nasal sprays as compared to isotonic saline nasal sprays in COVID-19 positive patients. The primary outcome measure is SARS-CoV-2 viral titers in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. In vitro studies have shown PVP-I to be highly virucidal against the viruses which cause SARS and MERS. Additionally, clinical studies have shown PVP-I saline sprays to be well tolerated in human subjects. PVP-I oral rinses and sprays have been trialed as methods to reduce the incidence and symptoms of viruses which cause the "common cold."