Bird Flu (H5N1): Povidone Iodine Nasal Spray and Gargle (2025)

Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is an antiseptic with broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, including activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some studies suggest that povidone-iodine nasal and throat rinses could help reduce viral load and transmission for respiratory viruses, including influenza and coronaviruses.

Can Povidone-Iodine Help Against Bird Flu (H5N1)?

Povidone-iodine has strong antiviral properties, and some researchers suggest that nasal and throat gargles might reduce the viral load in the upper respiratory tract.

Potential Uses Against Bird Flu

• Nasal Spray or Drops: Could potentially reduce viral presence in the nasal passages.

• Throat Gargling: Might help limit viral replication in the throat, as seen with other respiratory viruses.

• Hand and Surface Disinfection: Can be effective in killing the virus on contaminated surfaces.

Limitations & Warnings

• Not a cure: Povidone-iodine does not treat systemic infections.

• Not a substitute for vaccines or antiviral medications: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and other antiviral drugs remain the primary treatment. (ChatGPT)*

• Potential toxicity: Frequent or excessive use (especially in high concentrations) could lead to thyroid dysfunction or mucosal irritation.

Differing Views on Tamiflu

We asked ChatGPT and here's a reply:

"Not a substitute for vaccines or antiviral medications: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and other antiviral drugs remain the primary treatment."

However, some medical researchers have different opinions.

A Midwestern Doctor:

"In 1999, Roche’s Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), an influenza treatment was approved by the FDA and in 2002, by the EMA. When Tamiflu first hit the market, it was enthusiastically endorsed by the medical profession, while its significant rate of side effects was glossed over—1 in every 19 to 22 people (depending on age) treated experienced vomiting, 1 in 28 experienced nausea, 1 in 94 experienced a significant psychiatric event, and a variety of rarer but more severe side effects like kidney or liver damage were also observed with the drug.

Because of the fanfare surrounding Tamiflu, by 2009, Roche had been able to convince the European and American governments to spend billions stockpiling it. However, most of that fanfare was based upon studies Roche had conducted that they refused to reveal to the public or independent researchers. When the Cochrane Collaboration eventually obtained access to that data (e.g., through FOIA requests) they discovered that Roche’s data showed Tamiflu offered almost no benefit to patients while simultaneously presented a moderate risk to them."

Reference: A 2014 Cochrane review concluded the drug was worthless. They included many studies not sponsored by industry. Two meta-analyses said risks were higher than the benefits.

Current Medical Recommendations

Health authorities do not currently recommend povidone-iodine as a standalone prevention or treatment for H5N1 bird flu. However, maintaining good hygiene, avoiding exposure to infected animals, and following public health guidelines remain key preventive measures.

Scientific Studies on Povidone-Iodine and Influenza

In Vitro Studies

• A study investigated the effects of PVP-I on both human and avian influenza A viruses, including H5N1. The results indicated that PVP-I effectively inhibited viral infections in MDCK cells and interfered with the hemagglutination and neuraminidase activities of the viruses. (PMC)

• Another in vitro study demonstrated that PVP-I exhibited antiviral action against both HIV and H5N1 viruses. The treatment effectively reduced viral infectivity without adversely affecting the host cells. (ScienceDirect)

In Vivo Studies

• An in vivo study assessed the efficacy of intranasal antisepsis using PVP-I to reduce influenza A virus transmission in a guinea pig model. The findings suggested that daily application of the antiseptic formulation was effective in reducing virus transmission. (PMC)

Clinical Implications

While these studies provide promising insights into the antiviral properties of PVP-I against influenza viruses, including H5N1, it is essential to note that most research has been conducted in vitro or in animal models. Clinical trials in humans are necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of PVP-I nasal sprays or gargles as preventive or therapeutic measures against avian influenza.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests that PVP-I possesses antiviral activity against influenza viruses, including the H5N1 strain, in laboratory settings. However, further research, particularly clinical trials, is required to determine its practical applications in preventing or treating avian influenza in humans.

Read More here > Bird Flu series

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