Summer is here but the season is not guarantee that you won’t be susceptible to colds and the flu which are among the six common diseases that you need to watch out even during this season¹.

The best way to protect yourself against colds and flu is by getting your daily recommended dose of vitamins and minerals, as this helps keep your body’s immune system in tiptop shape, which in turn makes it more effective when it comes to fighting diseases².

Another way to boost your body’s immune system is adequate sleep. In 2019, researchers at the University of Tübingen in Germany found that a good night’s sleep improves the body’s T cells, which fight diseases caused by viruses such as colds and the flu³.

Staying hydrated is also a great way to help your body fight off diseases. Because water helps carry oxygen to cells in the body, adequate hydration ensures that every organ in your body works properly⁴, including those responsible for immunity such as the bone marrow, lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen⁵.

Frequent handwashing can also help keep colds and flu at bay. Disease-causing germs can thrive on any surface we frequently touch like doorknobs or elevator buttons⁶. The best way to prevent yourself from contracting disease this way is by washing your hands properly and frequently⁷.

While prevention is better than cure, it’s always good to be prepared for the worst. Aside from taking these preventive measures, it also helps to stay ready with your own oral gargle, nasal spray, and throat spray in hand just in case the cold or flu hits, so you can fight it off before it gets worse.

For quick-acting oral protection against colds and flu, use Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle and Mouthwash, which has been proven to kill a wide spectrum of viruses, fungi and bacteria in as early as 30 seconds^8-9. When on-the-go and you need a throat remedy that works fast, use Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Throat Spray, which can kill viruses in as early as 15 seconds⁹. If you want to immediately recover from a cold, use BETADINE® Cold Defense Nasal Spray, which can reduce its duration by up to two days, when used at the first signs of colds^10-11.

Always keep these in hand and you’ll never have to worry about your gimmick plans getting ruined because of a cold or the flu!

Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle and Mouthwash, BETADINE® Cold Defense Nasal Spray, Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Throat Spray are available in drugstores and supermarkets nationwide, as well as on Lazada and Shopee.

References:

¹Leong, A. (2014). Summer diseases: What you need to know. Rappler. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/wellness/54651-summer-diseases-prevention

²Streit, L. (2018). Micronutrients: Types, Functions, Benefits and More. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/micronutrients#types-and-functions

³Caroll, L. (2019). Researchers discover how sleep helps the body fight germs. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-sleep-infection/researchers-discover-how-sleep-helps-the-body-fight-germs-idUSKCN1Q12SC

⁴Laskey, J. (2015). The Health Benefits of Water. Everyday Health. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/water-health/water-body-health.aspx

⁵Zimmermann, K. (2018). Immune System: Diseases, Disorders & Function. Live Science. Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/26579-immune-system.html

⁶Scott, J. (2019). Top 10 Hot Spots for Germs. Everyday Health. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu-pictures/10-hot-spots-for-germs.aspx

⁷Scott, J. (2019). Top 10 Hot Spots for Germs. Everyday Health. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu-pictures/10-hot-spots-for-germs.aspx

⁸Antimicrobial Action of Povidone Iodine. 1997

⁹Kanagalingam, J., Feliciano, R., Hah, J.H., Labib, H., Le, T.A. and Lin, J.‐ (2015), Practical use of povidone‐iodine antiseptic in the maintenance of oral health and in the prevention and treatment of common oropharyngeal infections. Int J Clin Pract, 69: 1247-1256.

¹⁰Ludwig M et al. Respir Res 2013;14:124.

¹¹ Ito H., et al. Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Japan and Anti-Influenza Virus Activity of Povidone-Iodine Products. Dermatology . 2006;2-212(suppl 1):115-118