Gargling using antiseptic containing one-percent Povidone Iodine, such as Betadine, is known to prevent the transmission of germs and viruses through the mouth, thus avoiding people from catching cold and cough.
The Director of the Department of ENT at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre in Singapore, Dr. Jeeve Kanagalingan, said that a study in Japan showed that children who regularly gargle before going to school during flu season have less risk of catching the disease.
Mouth is the gateway for bacteria and viruses from the surrounding environment to enter our body. We don’t realise that we often touch our mouth area after holding something without washing our hands first.
As soon as you feel the symptoms of influenza, such as stuffy nose or sore throat, immediately gargle with antiseptic four times a day. The study also noted that this method is safe to use in a long period of time for precaution. The important thing is not to swallow it.
Antiseptic may be given to children who already know how to gargle, usually around the age of eight. But parents still have to be cautious and pay close attention during the process.
Text by Denistya Sagita
Stock photos from breathmd.com
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