Nasal and oral rinses to reduce COVID-19 viral load
SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) Nasal Pharyngeal and Oral Pharyngeal Wash (SNOW) Trial
This study is testing if using a baby shampoo nasal wash and Listerine mouth rinse can help adults recently diagnosed with COVID-19 lower their viral load and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase2; Phase3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Hershey, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04802408 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the effectiveness of a combined intervention using nasal washes with a 1% baby shampoo solution and oral gargles with Listerine Antiseptic® in adults recently diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants will be compared to a control group using normal saline for their rinses. The goal is to determine if these rinses can significantly reduce the viral load in the naso-oropharynx, potentially lowering the risk of transmission. The study aims to provide a safe, low-cost method for managing COVID-19 symptoms and reducing viral spread.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 who have recently tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and are currently in isolation.
Not a fit: Patients who have a history of nasal or sinus surgery or those requiring inpatient care for COVID-19 will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a simple and effective method for reducing COVID-19 viral load and transmission.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have shown promise in vitro, this specific combination of interventions is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. A first-time positive test for SARS-CoV-2 infection within 5 days of enrollment 2. Adults who are ≥18 -65 years of age 3. Currently in isolation 4. Symptomatic or asymptomatic from SARS-CoV-2 Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of nasal or sinus surgery 2. Non-English speaking 3. Lack of electronic device (computer, mobile phone etc.) on which to access an app for study data collection. 4. Adults that need inpatient care for COVID-19 or any of its complications. 5. Adults that give a history of being unable to tolerate gargles or nasal washes. 6. Adults who do not give informed consent for study participation. 7. History of a Covid vaccine booster 8. A history of use of nasal or oral washes after SARS-CoV-2 test sample collection. 9. Prisoners 10. Adults that give history of current pregnancy (NO KNOWN CONTRAINDICATION TO PREGNANCY) 11. History of monoclonal antibody treatment 12. History of or current molnupiravir treatment
Where this trial is running
Hershey, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center — Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Penn State — State College, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rena Kass, MD — Penn State College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Rena Kass, MD
- Email: rkass@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
- Phone: 717-531-8815
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.