I don’t know about you, but almost everywhere I turn this year, someone seems to be sick. Coworkers. Family. Friends. And the data backs it up.
As we move into 2026, the U.S. is in the middle of a moderately severe flu season. According to the CDC’s most recent Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report for Week 52, ending December 27, 2025, this flu season has already caused an estimated 11 million calls to healthcare providers, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths. Nine of those deaths were children. Forty-five states are reporting high or very high flu activity, and about one in every three flu tests is coming back positive. More significantly, the year-on-year trend shows the rates of infection are rising, with clinical lab tests showing that almost 40% of all tests detected influenza infections, and 8.2% of all visits to healthcare providers were for some form of respiratory complaint.
That’s not just “the usual flu season” pattern. That’s a surge.
Most of it is being driven by influenza A, especially a dominant H3N2 strain – called “super flu” because of how quickly the virus is spreading and how intense symptoms feel for people. Hospitals are feeling the strain, and vulnerable groups like older adults, kids, and people with chronic conditions are paying a higher price.
I’m vaccinated, but even so I still take the flu seriously. Vaccines take time to develop, and viruses change all the time. Even when they do work, it can take about two weeks for the body to build antibodies, and their effectiveness can vary by strain. So I started looking at what else I could do right now, especially things that work at the point where viruses first enter the body.
That’s what led me to Nasodine nasal spray.
Why the nose matters more than we think 
Most respiratory viruses, including influenza, enter through the nose. If you can reduce viral activity there early, you may be able to lower your overall exposure and risk.
Nasodine is a nasal spray made with 0.5 percent povidone-iodine, also known as PVP-I. PVP-I isn’t a new or experimental ingredient. It has been used for decades in medical settings and has a long track record of antiviral activity.
This isn’t guesswork. Clinical studies have proven how effective iodine can be at preventing infections.
What the science actually shows
Povidone-iodine has been shown in multiple studies to inactivate a wide range of enveloped viruses. That includes influenza, RSV, coronaviruses, human metapneumovirus, and more. These viruses are especially sensitive to low concentrations like 0.5 percent, often becoming inactive within 60 seconds of exposure to iodine.
This works because iodine punctures the viral envelope and messes-up the proteins that viruses need to infect cells. It doesn’t seem to matter which specific version of the virus is involved. The outer wall of the virus itself has weak points that iodine can penetrate.
Here’s what the research shows:
- In lab studies, PVP-I rapidly inactivated influenza viruses by blocking hemagglutination, which is the binding and clumping of cells, as well as interfering with sialidase, which is the enzyme that cuts the bonds to release the virus. The two work together to manage the influenza infection cycle. A 2009 study published in Virology Journal found that PVP-I reduced viral titers of human and avian influenza A, including H3N2 strains, by more than 99.99 percent within minutes. A 2006 study showed that even a 0.23 percent solution inactivated H5N1 in vitro. A 2015 study confirmed similar effects against swine influenza viruses, including H3N2.
- Animal studies support this as well. In 2022, researchers published findings in Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses showing that daily intranasal PVP-I reduced influenza A transmission in guinea pigs by limiting viral release (shedding). Earlier studies showed similar protective effects in vivo against avian influenza strains.
Nasodine has also been tested at the specific concentration of 0.5 percent formulation against H3N2, and demonstrated complete inactivation in under 60 seconds in vitro. That data hasn’t been published yet, but it lines up with what we already know from the broader research.
Why I choose Nasodine
There are other povidone-iodine nasal sprays out there. What I appreciate about Nasodine is that it wasn’t rushed to market. It was developed over more than ten years by Firebrick Pharma in Australia, originally as a treatment for the common cold. Along the way, it was tested for safety, stability, and usability. It has a three-year shelf life, an integrated pump and bottle design.
You can find more information in published peer-reviewed studies – try searching “Nasodine” on Google Scholar.
How it fits into my ‘flu season plan
I don’t see Nasodine as a replacement for vaccination or basic hygiene. I see it as an additional layer of protection.
Here’s why it makes sense to me:
- It works fast. Studies in COVID-19 patients showed that when Nasodine had been used after potential exposure, such as crowded indoor events or traveling on public transport, there was a reduced nasal viral load. Lower viral load can mean less severe illness and potentially less spread.
- It’s broad-spectrum. Viruses don’t circulate alone. RSV, coronaviruses, and other respiratory viruses are often in the mix with influenza. PVP-I doesn’t pick favorites – it hates them all!
- It’s easy to use. Just three sprays in each nostril, up to four times daily.
- It’s safe. At this low concentration, there’s minimal absorption of idodine. Published clinical data shows an excellent safety profile. That said, anyone who is pregnant, has a thyroid condition, or is allergic to povidone-iodine should talk to a healthcare provider first before using.
Staying ahead, not panicking
This flu season has arrived in full force. The numbers prove it. But panic isn’t helpful. Practical steps are. For me, that means vaccination, hand hygiene, avoiding crowded spaces, staying home when sick,
