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.
Do You Have A Vaginal Infection?
Vaginal infections can be unpleasant, painful and stressful, especially when you’re unsure about what kind of infection it is. The truth is, there are lots of different types of vaginal infections that you could develop, and each one is determined by the kind of bacteria, fungus, parasite or virus that is growing in your vagina. Some are easy to get rid of, while others are more difficult.
Do I have a vaginal infection?
How do you know if you have a vaginal infection and what kind of infection it is? You can usually tell by the symptoms you’re experiencing. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common symptoms of each kind of infection to help you identify which one you may have. Remember, you should always seek a professional opinion if you believe you have an infection, so book an appointment with your doctor.
Bleeding between periods and pain during sex
If you are experiencing pain during sex or when you go for a wee, or you’re bleeding irregularly in between periods, you may have Chlamydia. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. According to Bupa, around seven out of 10 women don’t experience any symptoms of this infection. This is why it’s so important to have regular STI tests, particularly when you change sexual partners. If left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to further health problems, such as infertility and problems in pregnancy.
Fishy smelling, grey discharge
If the above describes your symptoms, then you may have Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). BV is a bacterial infection that’s caused by an imbalance of the bacteria in your vagina. It isn’t considered an STI, but regularly changing sexual partners can trigger it and it can be passed between female sexual partners. You may also contract BV if you smoke, use scented products around the vaginal area or have an intrauterine device (IUD) fitted.
Vaginal itching and thick white discharge
These symptoms tend to be signs of a yeast infection, or Thrush. Thrush is caused by an excess amount of yeast in the vagina. You may be experiencing soreness, itchiness and irritation around your vagina. You may also have a thick discharge that has a similar consistency to cottage cheese.
Vaginal sores and headaches
If you have sores and blisters around your vaginal area, then you may have Genital Herpes. Genital Herpes is caused by the Herpes simplex virus. Currently, there isn’t a cure for herpes - once the virus is in your body, it stays there. This does mean that it can lie dormant but flare ups can occur if you’re stressed, tired or run down. Other symptoms can include headaches and a fever.
Itchiness and yellow frothy discharge
If these symptoms are similar to what you’re experiencing, you may have Trichomoniasis. This is an STI that’s caused by a parasite. You can only contract this parasite through sexual contact with another infected person. You might find that your vulva is sore and itchy and it may be painful to go for a wee however up to half of women may not have any symptoms at all.
How to get rid of a vaginal infection
Treatment will depend on the type of infection that you have. Below, we’ve explored how you can treat your infection and how to prevent it from returning.
How to treat a vaginal bacterial infection
For a bacterial or parasitic infection, such as Chlamydia or Trichomoniasis, your doctor will advise a suitable course of treatment for you. For some bacterial infections, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), it can usually be treated with antibiotic tablets or creams and gels, so speak to your doctor about your options.
For Thrush, you may need to use an antifungal cream, which is usually applied directly to the vulva. Alternatively, you may be prescribed a pessary by your doctor. This is a tablet that is put inside the vagina to bring the yeast levels back down to a normal range.
If you believe that you have any of the infections that we’ve mentioned above, you should book an appointment with your doctor. They will be able to advise your next steps.
How to avoid vaginal infections
There are some steps that you can take to avoid getting a vaginal infection again in the future.
Firstly, to reduce your risk of Thrush and BV, you should avoid using scented products, such as toilet paper, tampons, pads, body wash, soap and deodorant, in such a sensitive area as your vagina. These products could irritate the intimate area and you may be more open to infection. Instead, choose a soap-free wash foam that is gentle on the area.
Some of the infections we’ve mentioned are STIs, which means they’re passed from person to person by sexual contact. To avoid contracting an STI, you should always use a condom, particularly with a new sexual partner. You should also have regular STI tests to ensure that you don’t have an infection, especially if you’re not showing any symptoms.
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