Chewing gum ‘catches 95% of the Covid particles in your mouth’, research shows

SCIENCES believe they have found a new way for people to protect themselves against Covid.

An experimental chewing gum could act as a “net” to capture coronavirus particles.

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The rubber could trap Covid particles and stop people from spreading the killer bugCredit: Getty – Contributor

One study showed that this chewing gum could limit the amount of virus in saliva and help stop the transmission when infected people talk, breathe or cough.

The special chewing gum has copies of the ACE2 protein, which are found on cell surfaces.

The virus is used as a way to break into the cells and then infect them.

However, in experiments, virus particles adhered to ACE2 in the chewing gum, resulting in the amount of virus in samples falling by more than 95 percent.

The research team from the University of Pennsylvania reported in Molecular Therapy that the chewing gum feels and tastes like conventional chewing gum.

It can be stored for years at normal temperatures, and chewing it does not harm the ACE2 protein molecules, the researchers said.

Using chewing gum to reduce viral load in saliva, they suggest, will increase the benefits of vaccines and will be particularly useful in countries where vaccines are not yet available or affordable.

The gum is not yet available for general use, but is a promising step in limiting the spread of infected humans.

But the best thing people can do at the moment to protect themselves and others is to make sure they are up to date with vaccinations.

Unless you are eligible for a booster dose, you can have your two shots protected over the winter.

If you’ve had both of these, are over 40 and are six months after your second jab, you can book yourself for a booster shot.

Anyone who can get their extra doses has been urged to come forward as it means they will be fully protected before Christmas Day.

Health and Social Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Getting your Covid-19 booster vaccine is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter and will help reduce the pressure on the NHS.

“While the government continues to monitor a wide range of data to ensure that the country remains protected, we have very sadly seen an increase in cases in parts of Europe.

“The most important thing we can do to stop a similar increase in this country is to get the plug – so please take your vaccines as soon as possible so we can keep the virus at bay.”

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