In the United States, antivax activists assure on social networks that gargles of this antiseptic would be a remedy against Covid-19. Faced with the extent of this false information, the laboratory has warned against this dangerous practice.
Treat or prevent Covid-19 by making mouthwashes with Betadine antiseptic solution? After hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin, here is now the alternative “treatment” advocated by anti-vaccine activists on social networks.
It all started froma video from Thailand and dating from the month of April. Interviewed on television, a certain Dr. Toranas Krataitong assured live that it was possible to strengthen one’s immunity against Covid-19 infection by gargling with povidone iodine, the active ingredient of the antiseptic solution known as name of Betadine. “Normally, when the virus enters our nose and mouth, it travels to the bronchi and lungs. The important thing is to ‘gargle'”then assured the doctor, before affirming that “this can prevent Covid-19 from entering your mouth to the lungs. Those who are not yet infected with Covid-19 should do so”.
No efficacy against Covid-19
A few months later, the video reached American antivax, who have since recommended this practice on social networks. The scale of the phenomenon is such that Avrio Health, the company that markets Betadine across the Atlantic, reacted on its website.
In its frequently asked questions (FAQ), the laboratory assures that the antiseptic has absolutely no effect against the coronavirus and must therefore “to be used only to treat minor cuts, burns or scrapes (…) Betadine has not been shown to be effective as a treatment or prevention of Covid-19 or any other virus”.
A risk of fever, nausea, vomiting…
In addition to being ineffective against the virus, Betadine mouthwashes can be dangerous for your health. Used to clean the skin and wounds, this antiseptic and antifungal is not intended to be swallowed in its classic version. Toxic, Betadine could cause fever, headache, nausea, even severe vomiting. There is also a diluted version to treat mild sore throats but should not be drunk either. In case of ingestion, it is advisable to contact a doctor without delay.
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