Partly True: Silver nanoparticles have a potent antiviral effect on the coronavirus.

By: Varun Kumar
September 15 2021

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A recent study stated that a mouth and nasal rinse with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can help prevent COVID-19. However further research is needed.COVID-19 is a highly contagious and widespread disease that has strained the global healthcare system. Researchers have conducted several studies to know the antiviral effectiveness of silver nanoparticles against COVID-19. According to ScienceDirect, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are well known for their potent antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and biosensing properties. AgNPs are the potential antiviral agents that act against many deadly viruses and are presumed to be effective against COVID-19. It can generate free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to apoptosis-mediated cell death, inhibiting viral infection. Many medical organizations noted that AgNPs are not safe or effective for treating any disease. They consist of tiny silver particles in a liquid that is sometimes used as a dietary supplement. According to a recent study published by Clinical Trials, AgNPs were tested in vitro and shown to have an inhibitory effect on COVID-19 in cultured cells. The study assessed the effects of mouthwash and nose rinse with AgNPs in preventing COVID-19 contagion in health workers considered a high-risk group of acquiring the infection in the General Tijuana Hospital, Mexico. The study presented a prospective randomized study of 231 participants that was carried out for nine weeks. The "experimental" group was instructed to do mouthwash and nose rinse with the AgNPs solution. Therefore, the incidence of COVID-19 infection was significantly lower in the "experimental" group than the "control" group, with an 84.8 percent efficiency. The researchers concluded that the mouth and nasal rinse with AgNPs help prevent COVID-19 in health personnel exposed to patients diagnosed with COVID-19. More scientific research is needed as studies on silver nanoparticles' potency to prevent COVID-19 infection showing positive results are limited. Hence, we mark this claim as partly true. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19, including symptoms, prevention, and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organization or your national healthcare authority.