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.
Keywords: COVID-19, Steam inhalation, Treatment, Prevention, Healthcare, professionals