Doctors use povidone-iodine min surgery. (Photo By BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images) Anti-vaxxers are gargling iodine to protect against COVID-19. Doctors are urging patients not to do this - saying it poses several health risks. There is no data to suggest gargling iodine will fight COVID-19 or stave it off. See more stories on Insider's business page. Anybody who has to have surgery or any form of a major incision you'll be coated in a florescent orange liquid: povidone-iodine.