Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are among the most commonly encountered illnesses. Gargling, a traditional home remedy for sore throat, shows promise in reducing viral transmission.
Oral antiseptic rinses such as povidone-iodine (PVP-I) have been advocated as a preventive measure against respiratory infections. Gargling with PVP-I at least 4 times daily is clinically proven to decrease the incidence of acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory infections.