CDC announces the start of National Influenza Vaccination Week

Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the start of National Influenza Vaccination Week. While the week was designed to highlight the importance of flu vaccinations, it also brings to light the importance of taking additional steps to keep you and your family healthy during the peak cold and flu season of December, January and beyond.

"It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the information circulating around the topic of both seasonal and swine flu," said Dr. Laura Jana, pediatrician mother of three and owner of a daycare center. "Avoid panic by planning ahead and talking to your family about what you all can do to protect yourselves from illness."

Dr. Jana recommends the following tips to keep healthy this winter:

• Get Vaccinated - Understand the difference between and availability of the seasonal flu and H1N1 (Swine) vaccines and talk to your doctor about what's best for your family.
• Wash Hands Often and Properly - The CDC says hand washing is the most effective way to help stay healthy. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water ensuring all of the surfaces of the hands are cleaned. Once washed, dry your hands thoroughly with a clean dry towel. If soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer.
• Disinfect to Protect - Help prevent the spread of illness-causing germs by disinfecting the surfaces that your family frequently touches. Use a trusted disinfectant brand that is proven to kill cold & flu viruses, including H1N1.
• Cough and Sneeze Etiquette - Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette to prevent spreading germs to others. Cough into your elbow, rather than your hands, and sneeze into a tissue to minimize hand contact transmission of germs. Immediately throw away used tissues and wash your hands.
• Stay Home if You are Sick - If you or a family member feels unwell with flu-like symptoms (i.e., fever, fatigue and sore throat), stay home and rest. You will get over the illness faster and will not get those around you sick. Plan ahead for back-up childcare options if a parent is sick or unable to be home with the child.

The CDC and LYSOL® have partnered to create the Ounce of Prevention Kids web site (www.oopkids.com), which helps teach children about healthy hygiene habits, including good cough and sneeze etiquette, through fun games and exercises.

Many LYSOL® Disinfectant products, including LYSOL® Disinfectant Spray, LYSOL® Disinfecting Wipes, LYSOL® All Purpose Cleaner Pourables and LYSOL® All Purpose Cleaner Triggers, are effective against strains of influenza A virus, and specifically the H1N1 strain.