The New Hygiene Normal: Wash your hands and your nose?

Xlear, a manufacturer of Xylitol Nasal Spray, recently announced that they have filed a Pre-Emergency Use Authorization (Pre-EUA) Request with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Pre-EUA is a first step in seeking authorization of Xlear Nasal Spray as a new hygiene tool to help in combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Research on Xylitol and Nasal Spray

“Studies show that regular nasal cleansing may help reduce viral infections, including from the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19),” said Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, a doctor and global respiratory disease expert who has studied the use of Xlear Nasal Spray to combat SARS-CoV-2.

Some studies have shown a significant amount of viral load is contained in the upper airways, which includes the nose. “The concept is straight-forward: Cleansing the nose means less virus, less virus produces less risk of infection,” Dr. Ferrer added.

Can Xylitol Nasal Spray be an effective tool during the pandemic?

Xlear suggests that nasal cleaning is an easy process that can be combined with other well-known prevention mechanisms such as mask-wearing, social distancing and hand washing.

There are numerous other uses for nasal sprays and other xylitol based oral care products that may benefit you in some way, especially for those with sinus issues, so you may just want to try nose washing for yourself!