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.
Menstrual Hygiene 101 Supported By Betadine® Feminine Care Products
The importance of maintaining good menstrual hygiene
Menstrual Hygiene Day falls on 28 May and this special day is celebrated around the world with the aim of breaking menstruation taboos and to raise awareness on menstrual hygiene challenges faced by women across the globe.1
Good menstrual hygiene can help with common discomforts such as irritation, vaginal odour2 and let’s not forget that it positively contributes to a woman’s health too. 3
The question is, what does a good menstrual hygiene routine consist of? Below are healthy practices to help maintain menstrual hygiene.
#1 Change your sanitary napkin every couple of hours
The rule of the thumb is to never wait until your sanitary napkin is full. Generally, you should change it every 4 to 8 hours. Wearing a soiled sanitary napkin for long hours increases your risk of infections as well as irritation around your intimate area due to the combination of menstrual blood, sweat and bacteria.4
#2 Wash well
Keeping your intimate area clean is crucial, especially during menstruation as bacteria can stay on your skin. It’s always good to wash when changing your sanitary product. Also, don’t forget to wipe from front to back to help prevent infections too. 3
#3 Focus on gentle yet effective
Did you know that your favourite soap could be too harsh to cleanse your intimate area? Some soaps can lead to an imbalance in your vaginal pH levels and this can lead to the growth of bacteria and infections. It’s important to choose your feminine hygiene wash wisely by ensuring that it contains effective ingredients that will clean your intimate area gently and help to relieve skin irritation. 3,5
The BETADINE® range of daily feminine washes are formulated with a unique combination of prebiotics, antioxidants and plant extracts designed to help provide daily intimate protection from intimate discomforts such as odour, dryness and irritation.
A BETADINE® antiseptic feminine wash containing Povidone Iodine is also available and it relieves external itching and irritation during menstruation. (Please follow approved label indications)
BETADINE® products are formulated with an understanding that menstrual hygiene is important for all women so that you can achieve your limitless possibilities.
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. Why Does My Period Smell? (n.d.). In Healthline. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/why-does-my-period-smell#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
3. CKB Hospital (n.d.). In Why is it important to maintain menstrual hygiene. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://www.ckbhospital.com/blogs/why-is-it-important-to-maintain-menstrual-hygiene/#:~:text=Menstrual%20blood%2C%20when%20released%20from,these%20organisms%20and%20prevents%20infections
4. How often should you change your pad? (n.d.). In Healthline. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/menstruation/how-often-should-you-change-your-pad#per-day
5. Betadine Feminine Wash (n.d.). In MIMS. Retrieved from https://www.mims.com/philippines/drug/info/betadine%20feminine%20wash?type=full
Please report any suspected iNova Product or Device related adverse event (Drugsafety@inovapharma.com) or Product Complaint to: (Q.complaints@inovapharma.com).
Consult your doctor / pharmacist before taking pharmaceutical products