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.
What Is Vaginal Infection?
An infection in the vagina is usually caused by a bacterial imbalance. The vagina contains many types of bacteria. Some help it to stay clean and free from infections, whereas others can cause infections and other problems. Your vagina should contain enough of the ‘good’ bacteria to fight off the ‘bad’ bacteria, but sometimes the balance becomes uneven.
Too much bad bacteria can lead to an infection, and the type of bacteria determines what infection you have.
We’ve outlined the most common types of vaginal infections below, what causes them, some of the symptoms and how to treat them.
What are the types of vaginal infections?
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. It’s caused by a type of bacteria called Chlamydia Trachomatis. According to health specialists Bupa, 7 out of 10 women don’t experience any symptoms of Chlamydia. This means that regular STI checks are very important, particularly as Chlamydia can cause infertility and pregnancy complications if left untreated.
If you have Chlamydia, you may notice pain when you have sex or when you go for a wee and your discharge could be cloudy and yellow. You may also experience bleeding between periods, abnormal discharge that has an odour and itching or burning around the vaginal area.
Even if you don’t have any symptoms, Chlamydia can still be passed on to other people, so it’s best not to take this risk and make sure you’re checked over regularly by a doctor.
It’s likely that your doctor will ask for a urine sample or swab sample from inside the vagina. If the test comes back positive, Chlamydia may be treated with a course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. The antibiotics will help to kill the bacteria in your vagina, therefore getting rid of the infection. You should avoid having sex until you’ve finished your course of treatment.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea, like Chlamydia, may not show any symptoms. It is caused by a type of bacteria known as Neisseria Gonorrhoeae and can be contracted via sexual contact with another infected person.
You may begin to experience signs of Gonorrhoea around ten days after you’ve had unprotected sex. These symptoms may include vaginal discharge that’s thin and a green/yellow colour, pain or burning when weeing and pain in the lower abdomen. You should consult your doctor immediately who will advise a suitable course of treatment. In women, Gonorrhoea can spread to the womb, uterus, fallopian tubes and the ovaries. If this happens, you’re at risk of pelvic inflammatory disease which can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial Vaginosis is a type of infection that’s caused by a natural imbalance in the vagina. The infection is a result of the ‘bad’ bacteria outweighing the ‘good’ bacteria. BV isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection; however, it can be passed from one female to another during sex. It cannot be passed onto, or contracted from, men. It isn’t just contracted during sex but can come about from the use of overly scented products, such as tampons, toilet roll, sanitary pads, body wash and bubble bath.
You may have BV if you notice discharge that smells fishy and has a thin and watery consistency. It may also be an off-white or grey colour. These are the main symptoms of BV, however some women don’t experience any symptoms at all.
BV can usually be treated with antibiotic tablets or creams and gels. If you are concerned about BV you should seek advice from your doctor to know more about your options.
Thrush
Thrush isn’t a bacterial infection, like the ones we’ve mentioned above. Instead, it is a yeast infection that is caused by fungus that exists naturally in the body. Around half of women have yeast growing in their vagina, but it’s mostly harmless. However, there may be certain triggers that can cause the yeast to grow too much, which leads to Thrush.
The thrush symptoms for men and women are very different. Women may experience white vaginal discharge that has a very thick consistency. You may also notice itching and irritation in the vaginal area as well as burning during sex or when you wee.
Some common conditions or products that can cause Thrush include antibiotics, pregnancy and diabetes. Some women have to be careful about the soaps they use, while tight-fitting clothing may also be a contributory factor.
Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes is another example of an STI that isn’t caused by bacteria. Herpes is a virus and there isn’t currently a cure for it. The most common symptom is sores around the vaginal area. It’s likely that your symptoms will come and go - they may remain dormant for some time, and then flare up. These flare ups usually occur when you drink lots of alcohol, smoke or are stressed. You may be able to prevent your symptoms from worsening by trying to avoid alcohol and cigarettes completely.
If your symptoms worsen, you can speak to your doctor about options that may reduce your symptoms.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is another STI, but this type is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. As with all STIs, it’s passed from person to person via unprotected sex. According to the NHS up to half of people don’t experience any symptoms, but you can still pass the infection onto other people.
The symptoms of Trichomoniasis are not dissimilar to those of Chlamydia, but you may also experience less frequent but heavier periods and discharge that is a yellow-green colour. Trichomoniasis can be treated with a course of antibiotics.
What causes a bacterial vaginal infection?
Most of the infections we’ve mentioned above are STIs, which means they can only be passed during sexual contact. With others, such as BV and Thrush, it can be difficult to tell how the infection started. You could make some small lifestyle changes, such as avoiding overly scented washing powder, soaps or sanitary products or tight-fitting clothes or underwear. Consult your doctor for advice if you are unsure.
Your intimate area is sensitive so you need to treat the skin gently. Avoid soaps and body washes that contain colourants or strong fragrances.
Vaginal infection symptoms
Each infection comes with its own symptoms, but we’ve included some of the most notable vaginal infection symptoms below:
Consult your doctor for advice on the best treatment for you.
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