Thermal inactivation of SARS COVID-2 virus: Are steam inhalations a potential treatment?

Background The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has upset health systems around the world and caused immeasurable losses and costs. Until a vaccine will become available, the recommended prevention measures remain physical distancing and enhanced hygiene. Methods and findings The proteic structure external to the virus is the main target that may eventually lead to reduce or block its replication in the upper airways. We developed a protocol based of repeated steam inhalation cycles aimed at reducing the risk of progression to full blown infection if performed soon after contagion. The protocol has been used in a single-center open label trial on ten infected asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic health care professionals. Conclusions The promising results we obtained with this easily accessible, non-invasive and inexpensive procedure should prompt controlled trials.