Nasal Povidone Iodine Works Great for the Prevention and Early Treatment of COVID-19!

The FrontLine Critical Care Alliance has protocols for the Prevention and Early Treatment of COVID-19. Povidone-iodine or PI is included in both protocols as a mouthwash and nasal drops.

Prevention Protocol

Early Treatment Protocol. The complete protocol as PDF is on this link. They can be printed for future reference.

Does Povidone Iodine work?

The website c19pvpi.com put together all the studies using povidone-iodine for post-exposure prophylaxis, early treatment of COVID-19.

A summary of all the studies in the first table below shows that povidone-iodine improves COVID-19 outcomes. PI significantly lowers the viral load or the number of viruses in the nose and throat. Decreasing the number of viruses is essential to containing the infection. [4]

Once the viral load is significantly lowered, the course of COVID-19 should be milder, not need hospitalization, and have lower mortality rates. The tables below show that.

You can click on this link to know more about how to interpret the table. The table is also on the same link.

Povidone-iodine decreases hospitalization

Povidone-iodine decreases mortality

How does povidone-iodine work?

The iodine enters the viral nucleus and destroys the genetic material inside. Broken genes will not lead to viral replication and thus prevent infection.

How good is povidone-iodine?

It is better than chlorhexidine and benzalkonium chloride. It also works against the other coronaviruses that caused the SARS and the MERS. In a laboratory study, 1% PI for 30 seconds is enough to reduce the SARS and MERS viral activity by ≥ 99.99%. [2]

What about people with thyroid problems? Will the iodine have a harmful effect?

In a study that lasted six months, the daily 5% PI mouthwash/rinse and nasal wash caused no change in the blood tests that reflect thyroid function and secretion. The tests are serum T3, T4, or Free T4 [3]. There is a small rise in the thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH. The authors said,

There is no evidence for the development of thyroid dysfunction during a 6-month course of therapy.

Where can I get povidone-iodine?

You may already have povidone-iodine or Betadine in your medicine cabinet. They are usually sold as a 10% solution. Like this:
Dynarex D1415 Povidone Iodine Prep Solution USP, 16 Fluid Ounce

10% solution should be diluted to 1%. From the FLCCC protocol,

One dilution method is as follows:
– First pour 1½ tablespoons (25ml) of 10% povidone/iodine solution into a nasal irrigation bottle of 250ml.
– Then fill to top with distilled, sterile or previously boiled water.

The ratio is 1:9. One part 10 % PI to 9 parts of clean water.

How to use

Tilt head back, apply 4–5 drops to each nostril. Keep tilted for a few minutes, let drain. Iodine can stain your clothes!

You can purchase one dropper, Ezy Dose Ear and Eye Medicine Dropper, or buy in bulk for everyone in the household. Glass Dropper Medicine 1ml, Black Suction Bulb, Straight-Tip Calibrated Droppers 20 Pack.

Povidone-iodine nasal sprays

Nasal sprays also work.[5] BETADINE Cold Defence NASPAL Spray 20ML

Povidone-iodine Mouthwash

Nasal sprays and drops travel down the throat. For extra coverage, you can also use the 1% PI solution as a mouthwash. You can also purchase Betadine Antiseptic Sore Throat Gargle, Mint Flavor, 8 oz Bottle.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying from the links helps support the website. I really appreciate any help you can provide.

But wait, there’s more!

PI also works for other bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory tract infections like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Strep pneumonia (causes strep throat), rotavirus, and influenza virus A. In a study, the concentration was at 0.23% PI.[6] You can further dilute the 1% by a 1:4 ratio. The FLCCC recommends a 1% dilution.

Concluding thoughts

Povidone-Iodine is inexpensive, safe, and accessible (no need for prescription).

Whatever your vaccine status, povidone-iodine lowers the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the nasal cavity and the throat. PI reduces your risk of having severe COVID-19 including antibody-dependent enhancement and other respiratory infections.

Knowledge about Covid-19 is rapidly evolving. Stay current by subscribing. Feel free to share and like.

Don’t Get Sick!

Related:

References:

Choudhury et al., Effect of 1% Povidone Iodine Mouthwash/Gargle, Nasal and Eye Drop in COVID-19 patient. Bioresearch Communications, Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2021 (Peer Reviewed)
Eggers M, Koburger-Janssen T, Eickmann M and Zorn J. In vitro bactericidal and virucidal efficacy of povidone-iodine gargle/mouthwash against respiratory and oral tract pathogens.Infectious diseases and therapy. 2018; 7(2): pp.249-259.
Ader AW, Paul TL, Reinhardt W, Safran M, Pino SAM, McArthur, et al. Effect of mouth rinsing with two polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine mixtures on iodine absorption and thyroid function.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 1988; 66(3)
Shenoy S. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), viral load and clinical outcomes; lessons
learned one year into the pandemic: A systematic review. World J Crit Care Med 2021; 10(4): 132-150. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.5492/wjccm.v10.i4.132
Mostafa Kamal Arefin. Povidone Iodine (PVP-I) Oro-Nasal Spray: An Effective Shield for COVID-19 Protection for Health Care Worker (HCW), for all. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021 Apr 8: 1–6. doi: 10.1007/s12070-021-02525-9
Eggers M, Koburger-Janssen T, Eickmann M, Zorn J. In vitro bactericidal and virucidal efficacy of povidone-iodine gargle/mouthwash against respiratory and oral tract pathogens. Infect Dis Ther. 2018;7:249–259. doi: 10.1007/s40121-018-0200-7.