Fight Flu in 2008

01/20/2008

Don’t pooh-pooh the flu — it’s known to be the most common cause of absence from school and work, and has caused worldwide epidemics. But you can go from illness to wellness when you are armed with proper information. So as the new year continues, here are some fast facts to help protect you and your loved ones:

• You could be spreading the flu virus before you even know you have them. According to the Department of Health, incubation period of flu is 24 hours to four days, and transmits rapidly. In a US study cited by Clorox, adults were discovered to pass on the flu virus up to a day before developing flu symptoms and three to seven days after symptoms begin, while kids can spread the virus even longer.

• In the Philippines as of the late 1990s, the flu is said to be the fourth leading cause of illness.

• Flu prevention is possible through vaccination. Not only high-risk groups, including the elderly, residents of adoption centers and nursing homes, those with chronic incapacitating sickness and pregnant women, are recommended to get flu vaccine, but even healthy children.

• According to research, flu season in the Philippines peaks at around July to August extending with a minor peak until November to December, so health experts recommend beginning vaccination in February to be effective, two to three months before the start of flu season.

• Handwashing is truly and simply an effective way to reduce the chances of contracting colds and flu. The flu virus is airborne and spreads through indirect contact: if someone with the sniffles sneezes onto his/her hand and then touches the TV remote control, the viruses could be picked up by the next person who uses or touches the object. Another simple way to reduce the risk of transferring viruses is to cover the face with the entire elbow when a cough comes — a technique that kids can easily pick up.

• Doorknobs and desks are surfaces where the flu virus can live up to three days so Clorox recommends using its disinfecting products in households. Many cleaners in the market are not formulated to eliminate cold and flu viruses, unlike Clorox Disinfecting Wipes and Clorox Disinfecting Spray, which are designed to do the tough job. Use Clorox Disinfecting Spray on surfaces like faucet and flush handles, stair case banisters, toilet seats, computer keyboards, and other frequently touched spots. The product assures up to 24-hour protection against germs whereas other leading sprays lose their power once surface are repeatedly touched and recontaminated. Also effective in reducing the spread of the flu virus is Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. When used as directed, the product can disinfect and help kill 99.9 percent of the flu virus in your home with just one swipe because they are pre-moistened with cleaners and disinfectant.

This year, make it a point to reduce the incidence of flu at home. When you have Clorox disinfecting products in your household, you won’t feel so helpless against disease-causing germs. Clorox Disinfecting Spray, which comes in Spring Mist, Fresh, and Floral Fresh variants, and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes in Lemon and Fresh Scent are available in leading supermarkets nationwide.

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