Temasek Foundation provided StayWell Mouth Gargle free to every Singapore home under its Stay Prepared initiative, to help reduce the spread of illnesses. The mouth gargle contained 1% povidone-iodine (PVP-I), an active ingredient that is effective against a wide range of germs, including those that cause sore throat.
The StayWell Mouth Gargle was distributed on two tracks: interested households registered online for self collection, while residents living in 1 to 4-room HDB flats received one additional small 125ml bottle of mouth gargle delivered by Singapore Post to each letter box.
More than 920,000 bottles of StayWell mouth gargle were given out at the close of the exercise. This included about 780,000 bottles delivered by Singapore Post earlier in October/November 2021 to the letter boxes of all households living in 1 to 4-room HDB flats.
How to Use the Mouth Gargle?
We may gargle up to 2-4 times a day whenever we feel a sore throat coming, or for general oral hygiene.
We may gargle with 15 ml or one capful of the mouth gargle for about 30 seconds. Spit the solution out after gargling, and do not swallow.
Please consult a doctor before using any PVP-I mouth gargle or throat spray if you are:
– pregnant or breastfeeding;
– below six years old;
– allergic to PVP-I or iodine products;
– having thyroid issues; or
– using products containing mercury.
Please consult a doctor immediately if:
– you have any discomfort or allergic reaction when using the mouth gargle; or
– your sore throat or other symptoms persist for more than 2 days, or worsen.
