COLD & FLU
WOUND CARE
FEMININE CARE
COLD & FLU
14 Q&AsThese viruses and bacteria can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touch an object that has the virus on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs or sneezes) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing).
A sore throat can be caused by different types of germs. Therefore, it is good to use a preparation that target different types and classes of germs.
Viruses are tiny particles that rely on human or animal cells for their survival, so they cannot last very long outside the body. They cause illnesses by invading healthy cells and multiplying.
Bacteria are single cell organisms usually found in and on our bodies. Some bacteria are harmless – and can even be good for us – and some cause infections.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle has scientific research on its germ killing activity against germs that can cause sore throats1-3. With a 30-second gargle, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle kill germs2. Individual response varies*.
For the same reasons, other viral infections like flu should not be treated with antibiotics either6.
If a sore throat persists or is particularly severe, you should see your doctor.
Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor in situations of bacteria related infections*.
* For further information, please check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Since most sore throats are caused by germs5, there are steps that you can take to prevent getting an infection:
- Avoid sharing utensils with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap.
- Practice proper hand and throat hygiene by using an antiseptic hand wash and gargle, such as POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle to kill germs and prevent passing on germs within the family or community2.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands as germs can enter your body this way and make you sick.
- Stay away from people who are ill, as germs can spread.
No, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle does not stain the teeth. The natural brown colour is due to Povidone-Iodine, the active ingredient of POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Gargle. The product retains the germ killing effect of iodine but unlike iodine, it is generally non-staining.3
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) preparations do not stain the skin, fingernails, hair, or natural fibre either.3 If you accidentally get POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibres, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
Germs that cause sore throats can be passed on via direct contact (e.g. touching something that has the germs on it), airborne transmission (e.g. when someone coughs) and close personal contact (e.g. kissing).
When a loved one suffers from sore throat, flu or a cold, practicing proper throat and oral hygiene like gargling with POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) helps. This lessens the chances of other family members getting it too by killing the germs before they have a chance to act.
The active ingredient in BETADINE®, povidone-iodine, is naturally a golden brown colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair, although you can see where it’s been applied on the skin3.
If you accidentally get POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) on natural fibres it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibres, POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
FEMININE CARE
9 Q&AsIdentify the cause – suspect infection by looking out for vaginal symptoms such as discharge with abnormal colour or amount.
Check for foreign objects like tampons or condoms after intimate sessions.
Wear cotton undergarments to encourage airflow and allow your vaginal area to breathe.
Don’t:
Use fragrant body washes and soaps as it can disrupt the pH balance of your vagina.
Bacterial infections are the most common cause, accounting for up to 50% of the cases. They happen when there are changes in the types and amounts of bacteria normally found in the vagina.
Fungal infections like candida albicans are probably the next most common cause. Fungal infections are often called vaginal yeast infections.
Other possible causes of vaginal irritation include:
Tight nylon underwear that doesn’t provide good ventilation, resulting in perspiration and lack of air circulation
The use of contraceptives
The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of other infections
The use of vaginal deodorants
The lack of personal hygiene
Pregnant and lactating mothers are encouraged to avoid using the POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche due to the potential risks to the fetus/baby. There is a possible chance that the fetus/baby may be at risk of reversible hypothyroidism. Even though hypothyroidism is reversible, it might still lead to future metabolism conditions.
Women who suffer from hypothyroidism should also avoid using the
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche.
Povidone-iodine, which is the active ingredient in POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche, is naturally golden brown in colour. It will not stain your skin, fingernails or hair.
POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Feminine Wash and Vaginal Douche products can also be washed off even if they get into contact with your clothes. If you accidentally get some on natural fibers, it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibers, it can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately wipe up spills on plastic floors.
WOUND CARE
8 Q&AsAntiseptics are used as a treatment to cleanse cuts, scratches, burns, grazes or other minor injuries where the skin is broken, or as a preventive measure before piercing the skin (e.g. an injection). For this very reason, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) has a wide range of antiseptic formats for your different needs.
If you accidentally get Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) on natural fibers it can usually be easily washed off with water and soap. For man-made fibers, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) can usually be washed off with the help of a stain remover.
CAUTION: Immediately remove spills from plastic floors.
Additionally, the use of tap water to cleanse the wound would not be recommended in a country where a constant supply of potable drinking water is not available.
Debunking 3 Menstruation Myths This Menstrual Hygiene Week
Inaccurate information about menstruation continues to exist in present times. The impact of these myths varies around the world whereby in some communities, consequences include girls and women being discriminated and stigmatised for menstruating.1
Be it a slight or major impact on a woman’s life, the truth about menstruation must come to light to improve the livelihood of women around the world. This is why it is crucial that awareness on the challenges and stigmas of menstruation is raised. Here three menstruation myths debunked!
Myth #1 Menstruation is shameful
Fact: Menstruation is nothing to be ashamed of. As a matter of fact, it’s a sign of good health and it should be celebrated. However, women across the globe are feeling some degree of shame associated with menstruation. In a study conducted by THINXX, results from participants across the United States of America showed that 58 percent of women feel embarrassed simply because they’re menstruating.2 In Indonesia, girls believed that menstruation should not be talked about and this has led to absenteeism at school. Open discussion about menstruation helps to break this myth.3
Myth #2 Menstruation is dirty
Fact: Unlike faeces or urine, menstrual blood is not the body’s way of flushing out toxins or removing waste from the body. Menstrual blood is a combination of tissues and the same blood that runs through a woman’s veins that is released when pregnancy does not occur. 4 Therefore, menstrual blood is not dirty.5
Myth #3 Menstruation equals mood swings
Fact: When a woman menstruates, there are real changes in the body due to fluctuation in a woman’s hormone levels.5 Women may experience mood swings, headaches and even a burst in energy levels.6 Therefore, it is not right for anyone to assume that menstruation equates to mood swings or that a woman is just being dramatic.
Myth #4 You may continue to use any feminine hygiene product during menstruation
When menstruating, the pH levels in your vagina might shift and this could sometimes lead to infections that cause discomfort such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).7 Such infections can affect your day but before you reach out for just about any product on your bathroom shelf to help ease the symptoms, it’s important to note that not all feminine hygiene products can be used to ease symptoms experienced during menstruation. Do read the label prior to using the product as this helps to ensure that the infection is not aggravated.
A BETADINE® antiseptic feminine wash containing Povidone Iodine is also available and it helps relieve external itching and irritation during menstruation. (Please follow approved label indications)
Menstruation is a positive sign that a woman is healthy. Women shouldn’t have the need to feel shy or embarrassed about being healthy. Get the conversation on menstruation going in your circle of family and friends as the first step towards debunking menstruation myths and breaking menstruation taboos.
References
1. Menstrual Hygiene Day: Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030 (n.d.). In Menstrual Hygiene Day. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://menstrualhygieneday.org/
2. Nearly half of US women have experienced ‘period shaming’ (n.d.). In Menstrual Hygiene Day. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://menstrualhygieneday.org/nearly-half-us-women-experienced-period-shaming/#:~:text=The%20poll%20found%20out%20that,made%20by%20a%20male%20friend
3. Myths about menstruation that prevent girls from going to school (2019, October 16). In Assembly. Retrieved from https://assembly.malala.org/stories/myths-about-menstruation
4. Why do women have their period? (n.d.). In Healthline. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-women-have-periods
5. 8 Period Myths We Need to Set Straight (n.d.). In Healthline. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/period-myths#Myth-8:-Periods-are-shameful
6. Physical and Emotional Challenges Through the Menstrual Cycle (n.d.). In Our bodies, ourselves. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book-excerpts/health-article/dealing-with-physical-and-emotional-changes/#:~:text=Among%20the%20more%20negative%20changes,can%20disrupt%20our%20lives%20significantly
7. What causes an itchy vagina during your period? (n.d.). In Healthline. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health
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