Abstract
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is known to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, and therefore, direct delivery to the upper and lower respiratory tracts hypothetically would inhibit the progression of COVID-19. After informed consent, nebulized EtOH was given to inpatients admitted with COVID-19, and outcomes were retrospectively compared to randomly selected controls. Benefits of nebulized EtOH included decreased average length of stay, improved inpatient survival, decreased intubation rate and need for transfer to intensive care, improvement in hypoxemia, and decreased need for transfer to another facility for ongoing post-acute care. Also, fewer patients required supplemental home oxygen after discharge to home. Interpretation: Nebulized EtOH is beneficial in the treatment of COVID-19. Further study is warranted.
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