Recent Updates

~ Richa Khurana & Dr July 06, 2022Recently, there has been a lot of talk about patient safety and the quality of their life, but there has been little concern about the safety and well-being of the healthcare workers (HCWs) who are dedicated to delivering comprehensive treatment to patients.“All of us have been reminded of the crucial role healthcare workers play in alleviating suffering and preserving human lives because of the Covid pandemic,” said Director-General of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The pandemic has also brought into light how vital it is to safeguard healthcare workers so as to ensure a functioning healthcare system and overall society.Healthcare workers (HWs) have been at the forefront in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, putting them at a high risk of acquiring the infection. In the countries as a whole, the hospitals or clinics can not ensure the safety of their patients without ensuring the safety of the healthcare workers.The virus can be transmitted by means of human touch, conversation and the propagation of small or large respiratory droplets carrying infectious virus particles. It can also be transmitted by coughing and/or sneezing. In general, small respiratory droplets can easily spread over long distances. On the other hand, large droplets can only be transmitted through close personal contact via the direct injection of virus-containing droplets onto the mucous membranes (e.g. eye and nose) of the susceptible host. Self-inoculation of the virus can also occur in infection as the virus transmits from hands to mucous membranes of the eye or the nose. Respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus, influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, rhinoviruses, and adenoviruses can transmit from the patients to the health care workers during examinations. These are increasingly being identified as crucial pathogens due to their ease of spreading and relatively short incubation times (typically between 1 and 8 days); these viruses are capable of causing significant problems. Although responsible decisions and measures are being taken to inhibit the transmission of life-threatening viruses, it has become absolutely crucial to assure the safety of Healthcare Workers, especially in such testing times. There are many measures that are in place to inhibit the spread of viral infection in hospitals, clinics, and other health care settings, including principles of accommodation of infected patients and approaches to safety hygiene and patient management.Unfortunately, the harmful pathogens are advancing scientifically by the minute, calling for the development of agents that would not only safeguard but also prevent and improve the hygiene of all exposed body parts to pathogens.As far as the antimicrobial properties of Iodine are concerned, everyone in the medical field and beyond is aware of its effectiveness. However, besides wound cleaning, its topical use has always been a controversial idea due to its staining effects and strong odour features. Iodine and all iodine formulations have one single active biocidal agent, i.e. Molecular Iodine (I2).Even though Molecular Iodine (I2) is a well-known disinfectant, the reason behind its scarce use was the unfamiliarity with its effectiveness. However, after discussions among researchers, scientists and healthcare workers, it was understood that one of the reasons was the foul odour and the staining property.As Iodine evolved over the years, researchers & scientists succeeded in isolating active Molecular Iodine (I2) from all toxic compounds present in Iodine. By segregating it as a stable molecule, removal of all of the by-products formed as a result of various reactions in aqueous Iodine formulations became possible, thus, preventing adverse effects including staining, toxicity, and foul odour. It takes seconds for Molecular Iodine (I2) to start its action after it is used or applied. It provides protection against viruses, bacteria and fungi and ensures a long-lasting antimicrobial effect.Bioactive I2 acts as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, safeguarding people against all microbes, including the SARS-CoV-2. It has been thoroughly researched and proven to be the most effective biocide, which is not toxic to human cells.Molecular Iodine (I2) as a shield to keep hands, nose and mouth free of microbes has been composed by combining free molecular Iodine (I2) with 100% vegetable grade glycerin for the formulation of I2Cure BioShieldTM. The bactericidal and virucidal action of molecular Iodine is based on the mechanism of its absorption into the skin, giving long-lasting prevention for a prolonged period. Active molecular Iodine is absorbed into the skin within 30 seconds of applying it. Then it outgasses into an invisible shield that lasts for up to 6 hours. Health care workers have always been protecting their patients; it is high time the protectors get protected.