With our Covid numbers rising and an increasing number of loved ones dying, it is worth knowing that a simple mouthwash that has been around us for so many years could also aid in keeping Covid-19 at bay.

Rev. Emeritus Prof. Andrews Seth Ayettey, a Retired Professor of the University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, has reported that after studying some World Health Organisation (WHO) reports and doing extensive research, he and his team of health professionals, have come to the realisation that Hydrogen Peroxide, (H2O2), a commonly used solution for cuts and abrasions, as mouthwash and teeth whitener, could help us in the fight against the coronavirus.

Hydrogen Peroxide, (H2O2), according to Rev. Prof. Ayettey, is a chemical compound which breaks down into water, while oxygen is released. Our body produces some H2O2 with some level of vitamin c. This is endogenous, meaning that it is produced within the cells in the body.

Rev. Prof Ayettey noted that H2O2 has been used over a hundred years as an oral hygiene solution and also as a tooth whitener. Some people use H2O2 to brush their teeth daily. As an oral hygiene solution, it takes away all mouth odour. This, he said, clearly shows that it works on the micro organisms in the mouth.

The learned Professor said that some research was done and it was clearly established that H2O2 inactivated all corona viruses such as the H1N1 flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome, etc. It inactivated fungi and bacteria as well.

Explaining further, he said that what the corona virus does is to attack the alveoli where gaseous exchange takes place and that is why people find it difficult to breathe. He said that gargling the diluted hydrogen peroxide solution releases oxygen molecules which attack the virus from various angles in the mouth. He said that the virus has spikes on it and sticks to the lining in the mouth. If not destroyed after a few days, it passes through the lining of the mouth or throat and enters the body.

Rev. Prof. Ayettey said that some health personnel who used hydrogen peroxide and were exposed to the virus did not contract the disease but others who did not use hydrogen peroxide and were exposed to the virus, got infected.

He said that all one needed was 1% of the solution for gargling and 0.5% for washing the nose. To prepare this, he advised on the following steps:

1. First, check the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide indicated on the bottle. If 6% H2O2, mix 1 part, that is the lid of H2O2 to 5 parts (the lid of the bottle) of clean water. If 3% H2O2, mix 1 part of H2O2 to 2 parts of clean water. Mouthwash and gargle the 1% solution for 1 minute and spit it out. Do not swallow.

Nasal wash

2. To prepare 0.5% H2O2 nasal solution, mix 1 spoonful of 1% H2O2, that is, the preparation for gargling, with 1 spoonful of water. Dip cotton swabs in the solution to clean the nostrils.

Rev. Prof. Ayettey indicated that when certified after more clinical trials, the pharmaceutical companies will be encouraged to produce H2O2 nasal sprays.
The retired professor stressed that the safety protocols, as outlined, are very important to stop the virus from entering the body. He said that the nose mask will prevent or minimise the viral load of the virus. A strong immune system can fight a small viral load but where the viral load is heavy, the body has a bigger task of fighting and can succumb when the viral load overpowers the body's immune system. It is therefore of utmost importance that everyone wears the nose mask.

He said that the same goes with social distancing. The virus can only travel a certain distance and then it falls to the ground. If you keep your distance, the virus will not be able to travel to your face before it falls to the ground.

Prof. Ayettey noted that the soap used in hand washing, also destroys the lipid membrane of the virus and thus inactivates it.