Download to read offline
![A recent survey from CVS Health1
found 2 in 5 (39%) say it takes
2+ trips/appointments to get the
family flu vaccinations.*
The Flu is
NO Fun
Remember: It’s Not ‘JUST’ the Flu – It’s a Serious Disease!
Get your flu vaccine to Stay in the Game
For more information visit: www.familiesfightingflu.org
or follow us on Twitter: @famfightflu
1. CVS Health. (2016, August 16). CVS Health Survey Reveals Two in Five Americans Make Multiple Trips
to get Entire Household Vaccinated against the Flu [Press release]. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
Family time is special time! But, if a family member has the flu, everyone is at risk of catching this
serious disease. Here’s how to Stay in the Game and not miss out on the fun because of the flu!
Know the
Facts
Have a Flu Game Plan
for Your Family
e
F
Practice Healthy
Habits
e Fluuuuluu
Flu is a highly-contagious
disease that easily spreads via
tiny droplets created when
someone coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Annual flu vaccination for
everyone 6 months of age and older
is the best way to protect
against the flu.
Getting your flu vaccination protects
you AND everyone around you, too!
Children are two to three times
more likely than adults to catch
flu because of less-developed
immune systems.
Nearly 100 children die due to
flu each year in the U.S.
80-85% of pediatric flu deaths are
in unvaccinated children, historically.
And don’t forget to:
• Wash hands often
• Stay home if you don’t feel well
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose,
or mouth - germs spread this way
Make annual flu vaccination
a FUN, family activity.
HERE’S HOW:
Get your family
vaccinated…TOGETHER
Afterwards, enjoy a family
activity,such as going to
the movies or to your
favorite restaurant.
#
1
#
2
Keep Your Family Healthy This Flu Season to
STAY IN THE GAME™
*Among survey responders who say that everyone
in their household gets vaccinated for the flu.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/4995b474-e90e-464f-83c1-19d6e2947d0a-161228193436/85/USAT_FightingTheFlu_-7-320.jpg)
USAT_FightingTheFlu_
- 1. Fighting The Flu OCTOBER2016 | FUTUREOFPERSONALHEALTH.COM | An Independent Supplement by Mediaplanet to USA Today A mother opens up about the tragic loss of her son and urges annual flu shots for all. DISCOVER the biggest myths about the flu vaccine, and why it’s still your best shot at fighting the illness BROWSE more stories online and quiz yourself on where germs are lurking throughout your workplace
- 2. Immunize Your Space Discoverthe best ways to properly flu-proof your home to keep your family healthy this season. Page 4 Raising Awareness The American Lung Association explains the dangers of the flu and what you can do to fight it. Page 8 Ask the Experts Check out some more tips on the best flu season practices from health and hygiene professionals. Online 2 | FUTUREOFPERSONALHEALTH.COM | IN THIS ISSUE MEDIAPLANET Getting the Facts for Flu SeasonAs cold weather descends, so does flu season. Here’s what you should know about the risks and latest breakthroughs in prevention. O ctober is almost over, which means the holidays are rapidly approach- ing. I always look forward to the holidays because it gives me more time to spend with family and friends. Unfortunately, the holidays also mean that flu season is at our door- step, threatening to disrupt holiday reunions. That’s why I’m encour- aging you to help protect everyone you’ll see over the holidays by mak- ing sure you and your family get your flu vaccine. Knowing the risks Flu can cause serious illness in peo- ple of all ages, but some people are more vulnerable to serious illness from flu. Pregnant women, chil- dren younger than 5 years, people 65 and older, and people with cer- tain chronic conditions like diabe- tes, heart disease, and asthma are more likely to become seriously ill from the flu. Everyone ages six months and older should get a flu vaccine every year. A flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your chances of getting and spreading the flu.While you’re planning to get your flu shot, there are a few important changes to keep in mind this flu season. The Centers for Disease Con- trol and Prevetion recommends only injectable flu vaccines (or flu shots) this season and is not recom- mending nasal spray flu vaccines because of concerns about how well Flu can cause serious illness in people of all ages... it works. This is an unfortunate setback because it offered an alter- native to painful shots. As a parent of kids who don’t like getting shots, I was disappointed to hear that the nasal spray vaccine wasn’t working well. But I also know I would much rather my children get vaccinated properly than get the flu. New developments This past flu season, we saw a drop in the number of older adults get- ting their flu vaccine. As a physi- cian, this drop is particularly con- cerning to me. While flu seasons can vary in severity, people 65 years and older typically bear the greatest burden of severe flu illness because people’s immune systems become weaker with age. Fortunately, there are vaccines specifically for older adults to give them added protection against seasonal flu. This flu season, manufacturers are introducing the first adju- vanted flu vaccine marketed in the United States. An adjuvant is an ingredient added to a vaccine that helps create a stronger immune response to vaccination. There is also a high-dose vaccine option, which contains four-times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that helps your body build up protection against flu viruses) as standard flu shots. As we prepare for increased flu activity, I encourage people of all ages to join the fight against flu by getting their flu shot. n Email content inquires to editorial@mediaplanet.com Please recycle after readingKeep your feed fresh. Follow us @mediaplanetusa Nancy Messonnier, M.D. Director, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (CDC) Publishers Joelle Hernandez Mary Reid Business Developer Jessica Guggenheimer Managing Director Luciana Olson Content and Production Manager Chad Hensley Senior Designer Kathleen Edison Designer Natasha Jiwa Copy Editor Dash Lunde Production Coordinator Tiffany Kim Contributors Faye Brookman, Kristen Castillo, Joanna Colbourne, Serese Marotta, Nancy Messonnier, Deepika Polineni, Adam Sass, Sara Stickler Cover Photo Serese Marotta All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.
- 3. Hope can bemore contagious than the flu. In honor of all the Rite Aid customers who protect themselves with a flu shot, The Rite Aid Foundation is donating OVER $1.8 MILLION DOLLARS to more than 350 KidCents charities that are committed to the health and well-being of children in our communities. SPREAD NOTTHE FLU. GET YOUR FLU SHOT* AT RITE AID TODAY. IT’S FREE WITH MOST INSURANCE AND NO APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY. *Some limitations may apply. See pharmacists for details.
- 4. 4 | FUTUREOFPERSONALHEALTH.COM| TIPS AND TRICKS MEDIAPLANET Follow these four tips to help keep your family healthy this cold and flu season. We would all like to avoid the often unpleasant and sometimes dangerous symptoms of the flu. Vaccination can help, but here are some extra precautions you can take to prevent the illness from spreading in your home: 1. Pick the right product Household products are effective tools for eliminating cold and flu causing viruses. It’s important By Sara Stickler, Executive Director, Alliance for Consumer Education to pick the right product for the right area of your home. In eliminating cold and flu viruses, you will want to use a disinfectant product. Disin- fectants are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are proven effective. Read the label to ensure the prod- uctkillscold andfluviruses.Follow theuseinstructionsontheproduct to disinfect hard surfaces in your home (i.e. counters, door knobs, bathrooms, sinks) and eliminate most cold and flu-causing viruses. 2. Let your cleaner work All disinfectants require con- tact time to work effectively. You can find this on the label of the product. Disinfectants may require up to 10 minutes to work effectively. Immediately wiping away a product after use does not effectively eliminate cold and flu viruses. You can also check the label to make sure your product kills the cold and flu viruses. 3. Wash your hands Use soap and water to wash away germs. It’s important to wash your hands for at least 20 sec- onds. Always wash your hands before eating, before and after caring for someone who is sick, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing. Don’t touch your face with dirty hands. Use an alcohol-based hand-san- itizer when you can’t wash your hands to help eliminate bacteria. 4. Practice good habits Never use your hands when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue, or if you don’t have one, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow. Teach your children this habit by using a spray bot- tle filled with water. Show them how far cold and flu viruses can go by squirting the bottle. Then show them how both a tissue and your elbow stops the water. This visual will be a reminder when they cough or sneeze. n Your Guide to a Cold and Flu-Proof Home All disinfectants require contact time to work effectively.
- 5. Save on suppliesyou need to keep your office healthy. **Source: CNN.com ***Source: flu.gov * 36218 Go to Quill.com/flufighters Target germs in your workplace. $ 15 offwhen you spend $ 75 on cleaning supplies. Flu Fact #34 Average desk has more than 20K+ germs per square inch.** Flu Fact #57 Over 111 million workdays are lost due to colds and the flu.*** * Cannot be combined with any discount coupon, ink & toner free gift coupon, or HP ink & toner offer; excludes Daily Deal offers, BIOFREEZE® Bonus Offer and special order items beginning with the prefix “SPW” or “UNI”. Other exclusions may apply as noted on specific products. Tax and freight charges are not included in minimum purchase or discount. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be used on prior purchases. Quill.com may refuse to redeem any instant coupon which it believes in good faith to be fraudulently or improperly obtained. Good through 1 ∕31 ∕17. One-time use per customer. Use Code CJ2DLR49 T he toughest part about cold and flu season is how to stop the viruses from cir- culating through your family. If your spouse or kids get sick, it feels inevitable that you’ve got a bug coming sooner or later.Not necessarily. The fastest way to good family health can be found in 5 simple, daily cleaning habits: 5 Steps to Cleaning up After the Flu Keep the cold and flu bugs from jumping around your house and from person to person with this simple cleaning ritual. By Adam Sass 1. Get some new air Throw open the windows and let fresh air roll in. Open the blinds and grab some Vitamin D. Light a fresh-smelling candle, and you’re starting your cleaning day on the right foot. 2. Gather your arsenal Disinfectant spray will be your best friend during your germ bat- tle. Some people are also partial to disinfecting wipes which are great, just make sure your clean- ing products actually kill viruses. Stock up on paper towels and microfiber cloths — anything that can be thrown away. Stay away from reusable sponges. 3. Wash every day During the sick days, everyone should be using a different towel each day. Near the end of the flu, strip the bed, flip your mattress, and wash your linens with hot water. Pay extra care to pillow- cases and face towels. If you’ve got young kids, throw washable toys like stuffed animals in with the bedding to be cleaned. Fornon-washabletoys,disinfector scrubwith asteam-cleaning brush. 4. The bathroom needs your attention Scrubbing the bathroom sink should be a priority — it’s the base camp your home’s germs have been using all week. Spray, scrub, and disinfect the faucet, handles, and bowl and then work on the toilet seat and handle. Keep all your toothbrushes separate to avoid trouble. If your sick loved one’s toothbrush is of the inexpensive, disposable kind — ditch it. 5. Disinfect big targets Grab your disinfectant spray or wipes and go to town on cold and flu germs’ favorite home: the surfaces you and your fam- ily touch every day. Doorknobs, light switches, and railings are most common, especially the ones close to the bedroom and bathroom. Refrigerator door- handles, kitchen drawer pulls, and pesky germy wastebaskets should be next. Your kids have probably been watching a lot of TV while they’ve been laid up, so don’t for- get to regularly sanitize remote controls, laptop keyboards, and phones. Now you’re on your way to a speedy recovery and a happy, healthy home. n HEALTH HACKS | MEDIAPLANET | 5
- 6. 6 | FUTUREOFPERSONALHEALTH.COM| ADVOCACY MEDIAPLANET F lu season is right around the corner, and like other years, we can’t predict how severe it will be. Unlike the common cold, influenza is a serious and highly contagious disease that tends to develop quickly, especially in children. Every year in the U.S., approximately 20,000 children under the age of five are hos- pitalized, and on average, 100 children die due to the flu and its complications. Asamother,Iknowthedangers of flu all toowell because I lost my healthy,5-year-old son,Joseph,to H1N1 flu in October 2009. Joseph received his annual flu vacci- nation in September, but H1N1 wasn’t in the vaccine that year. A mysterious diagnosis On Oct. 9, Joseph began vom- iting and was very lethargic. After calling our pediatrician, we decided to take Joseph to the local urgent care center. Upon arrival, his blood oxygen levels were low and he was immedi- ately transported to the local children’s hospital. That night, he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia and it wasn’t until several days into his hospital Some think the flu is just a bad cold, but a personal tragedy taught me that influenza is a disease that must be taken seriously. By Serese Marotta, Chief Operating Officer, Families Fighting Flu stay that Joseph was diagnosed with H1N1 flu. He was given antibioticsforthepneumoniaand antiviral medication for the flu. Joseph spent the next nine days in the hospital where his condition was relatively stable. However, on Oct. 17, Joseph’s blood pressure plummeted and we were sent back to the inten- sive care unit. Joseph endured a long night of x-rays, blood- work, and other tests. The doc- tors didn’t seem overly alarmed about Joseph’s condition, but they couldn’t figure out what was causing his low blood pressure. Tragedy strikes On the morning of Oct. 18, I was by Joseph’s bedside when he suddenly coded. The doctors and nurses worked feverishly to save him, but tragically, my son lost his life to the flu that day. Before that, I had never heard of a child dying from the flu, but sadly since then I have met numerous families who have suffered the same tragedy. I want everyone to understand how critically important it is for all children and their families to get their flu vaccinations each and every year.Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best preventa- tive measure we can take, and it’s recommended for everyone six months and older.We can all play a part in the fight against influ- enza because getting an annual flu vaccination not only protects you and your family, but it also helps protect others in your com- munity and limits the potential for an outbreak. n PHOTO:Seresemarotta A Tragic Loss, and a Call For Greater Flu Awareness
- 7. A recent surveyfrom CVS Health1 found 2 in 5 (39%) say it takes 2+ trips/appointments to get the family flu vaccinations.* The Flu is NO Fun Remember: It’s Not ‘JUST’ the Flu – It’s a Serious Disease! Get your flu vaccine to Stay in the Game For more information visit: www.familiesfightingflu.org or follow us on Twitter: @famfightflu 1. CVS Health. (2016, August 16). CVS Health Survey Reveals Two in Five Americans Make Multiple Trips to get Entire Household Vaccinated against the Flu [Press release]. Retrieved October 10, 2016. Family time is special time! But, if a family member has the flu, everyone is at risk of catching this serious disease. Here’s how to Stay in the Game and not miss out on the fun because of the flu! Know the Facts Have a Flu Game Plan for Your Family e F Practice Healthy Habits e Fluuuuluu Flu is a highly-contagious disease that easily spreads via tiny droplets created when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. Annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older is the best way to protect against the flu. Getting your flu vaccination protects you AND everyone around you, too! Children are two to three times more likely than adults to catch flu because of less-developed immune systems. Nearly 100 children die due to flu each year in the U.S. 80-85% of pediatric flu deaths are in unvaccinated children, historically. And don’t forget to: • Wash hands often • Stay home if you don’t feel well • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth - germs spread this way Make annual flu vaccination a FUN, family activity. HERE’S HOW: Get your family vaccinated…TOGETHER Afterwards, enjoy a family activity,such as going to the movies or to your favorite restaurant. # 1 # 2 Keep Your Family Healthy This Flu Season to STAY IN THE GAME™ *Among survey responders who say that everyone in their household gets vaccinated for the flu.
- 8. 8 | FUTUREOFPERSONALHEALTH.COM| INSIGHT MEDIAPLANET Words can be dan- gerous — espe- cially when those words are “it’s just the flu.” Influenza, or the flu, is a potentially life-threatening disease,which is contracted each year by 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population, or 16 to 63 million people.That’s a huge number,but preventing the spread of the flu really starts with just one person – you. Now is the time for you to getvaccinated,to protectyourself and those you love. A viral problem Each year, influenza and its related complications (including pneumonia) result in approxi- mately 226,000 hospitalizations. Depending on virus severity, deaths can range from 3,000 to 49,000 people. Flu season in the U.S. can begin as early as October and usually peaks around Janu- ary or February. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and reduce spread of the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get an annual influenza vaccination. It's more than “just a bad cold.” Influenza is a serious illness, and as we move through our busy days, cross-contamination should be the first thing on our minds. By Deepika Polineni, M.D., Volunteer Spokesperson, American Lung Association Why get vaccinated every year? The influenza virus is constantly changing, so each year, a new vaccine is made based on which strains of the virus are projected to cause the most illness. Doing your part When you are immunized, you not only protect yourself, but you help protect those around you by limiting the spread of the disease. That means when you get your flu shot,you are protect- ing people who can’t, like babies who are too young. Vaccination is especially important for pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, and those with chronic health conditions, including asthma and COPD, as they are at a higher risk of developing influenza-re- lated complications. It’s also rec- ommended that you get immu- nized as soon as the vaccine is available in your area, and not to wait until later in the flu season. We are all at risk for getting and spreading the flu. Stopping it begins with you. n Fighting the Flu Starts with You
- 9. You’ll do everything tokeep your family healthy and well. Kills 99.99% of germs • Convenient resealable pocket pack fits easily in backpacks, purses and pockets • Gentle formula infused with aloe keeps hands moisturized and feeling soft • Made with TENCEL® - soft, strong, earth-friendly fiber Proven to remove 99% of peanut residue on hard surfaces* *Source: “Evaluation of Reduction of Peanut Allergen Residue on Hard Surfaces”, Nice ‘n CLEAN Antibacterial Hand Wipes, June 2016.TENCEL® is a registered trademark of Lenzing A.G. Here’s the first thing. T he endofsum- mer signals back to school, but also more time indoors presenting greater expo- sure to germs or allergens. Proper hand hygiene is the most effective step to maintain wellness, accord- ing to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s crucial with flu sea- son approaching. When you are away from home,be prepared with convenient options,such as wipes. What makes wipes so effective is they create fric- tion to thoroughly remove soil and bacteria. Many consumers prefer wipes over gels because they are easy to use, provide the right dosage and don’t leave a sticky residue. A clean slate Using wipes on hands and surfaces, even taking wipes to school, is an important part of personal and family hygiene. “Teach children about hygiene and what theycandoforthemselves,” advised Robert Julius, chief executive officer of Nice- Pak, the global wet wipe leader devoted to helping families stay healthy and well “one wipe at a time.” Beyond germs, Julius warns about potentially fatal exposure to food aller- gens, which he knows first- hand from his granddaugh- ter’s diagnosis to peanut allergies. In addition to kill- ing 99.99 percent of germs onhands,Nice-Pak’sNice‘n CLEAN® Antibacterial Hand Wipes remove 99 percent of peanut residue from hard surfaces. Available in resealable 20-count pocket packs, they fit easily into backpacks and lunchboxes to help protect your family no matter where they are. A growing epidemic “The most recent avail- able data indicates that as many as one in 13 children have a clinically signif can’t food allergy — that’s about two per classroom,” explained Lois Witkop, the chief advancement officer for Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE). She recommends advance planning and wiping down surfaces to help prevent contact reactions or inad- vertent skin contact with allergens. As proud supporter of FARE, Nice-Pak donates a portion of the proceeds from the wipes to help raise awareness of food allergies. n sponsored What You Need to Know About Combating Flu and Food Allergens By Faye Brookman Practicing proper hand hygiene is the best defense against flu and food allergens INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE | MEDIAPLANET | 9
- 10. 10 | FUTUREOFPERSONALHEALTH.COM| FACTS AND FIGURES MEDIAPLANET The 5 Most Common Flu Myths Debunked 1 Influenzaisanuisance, butnotdangerous. Fact:Influenzaisa highlycontagiousand seriousinfectionthat canbelife-threatening. EachyearintheU.S., theflucancauseup to49,000deathsand morethan200,000 hospitalizations. 2 You don’t need a flu vaccine every year. Fact: Sinceinfluenza virusesareconstantly changingandbecause thebody’simmune responsefromvaccina- tiondeclinesovertime, itisimportanttoget vaccinatedeveryyear. Fluvaccinationisrecom- mendedforeveryoneage six months andolder. As flu viruses begin to circulate each season, so do misconceptions about them. Here are five of the most common flu myths debunked: 4 Flu vaccines can give you the flu. Fact: Afluvaccine cannotcausefluillness. Therearedifferentside effectsthatmaybe associatedwithgettinga flushotwhichare mildandshort-lasting, andmayinclude soreness,rednessor swellingwheretheshot was given. 3 I’m healthy, so I don’t need a flu vaccine. Fact: Even healthy peo- ple can get sick enough to be hospitalized or even die from the flu. In fact, each year, an average of 20,000 chil- dren age five years or younger are hospital- ized due to flu-related complications — and most are healthy. 5 If I don’t feel sick, I can’t spread the flu. Fact: Individuals withthefluvirusmay beabletoinfectothers fromonedaybefore gettingsicktofiveto seven days after. Tip The first step to preventing flu is getting an annual fluvaccine but individuals should also follow everyday preventive actions such as good hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes.Ifyou do get the flu,stay home to avoid spreading it to others and take antiviral medications if prescribed by a healthcare professional. By Joanna Colbourne, Director of Communications and Public Outreach, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
- 11. T he flu shouldn’tbe taken lightly. It’s important to take the time to rest, get better, and prevent the spread of germs. Here are some tips for a quick, comfort- able, and safe recovery. 1. Have your toolkit Keep tissues on hand to clean up and cover your coughs and sneezes. A heap of cozy blankets, hot packs, or a hot water bottle 4 Steps for Quicker Flu Recovery Think you’re about to battle the flu? Now’s the time to stock up on ammunition. By Kristen Castillo can help keep you warm. Make sure you have a thermometer and checkyourtemperatureregularly, and keep contact information for your doctor handy. 2. Hit the pharmacy Stock up on non-prescription medicines including pain reliev- ers, decongestants, fever reduc- ers, cough drops and anti-diar- rheal medications. Vitamins and supplements can also help. Vita- min D can protect against the flu and may help speed up recovery time if you get sick. Omega-3 sup- plements, as well as foods with Omega-3, may protect the lungs. Ginseng supplements may boost immunity, helping the body heal faster. Cough drops are great for relieving a nagging cough or a sore throat. 3. Stock your pantry The probiotics inyogurt may help settle an upset stomach. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 and mag- nesium, both of which help you fight fatigue and get strong. Papayas, which have Vitamins C and E, may reduce inflammation. Make sure to stay hydrated with water and hot teas. Chicken soup tastes good and is good for you but avoid salty soups, which can dehydrate you. 4. Sanitize for safety While washing up with soap and water is best, health experts say you can use an alcohol based hand sanitizer,if needed.Look for hand sanitizers with a minimum of 60 percent alcohol, which are the most effective against germs. Stock up on household clean- ers and paper towels so you can clean surfaces around your home including counters, door han- dles and other areas that can get contaminated with germs. Face- masks can also be a good idea to contain germs,especially ifyou or someone in your family is at high risk of flu complications. n HEALTH HACKS | MEDIAPLANET | 11
- 12. Backed by our110% lowest price guarantee. Get your flu-fighting essentials now. And avoid downtime later. Valid online at staples.com® , by phone at 1-800-333-3330 or in Staples® U.S. stores. Discount applies to ONE select regular-priced item only. Cannot be combined with any other discount or coupon. Includes water, tea, facial tissues, multipurpose cleaners, disinfectant sprays/ wipes, hand soap and santizers, air purifiers, humidifiers, OTC medicine and vitamins. Excludes Daily Deals, Auto Restock orders, dish soap, laundry detergent, bath tissues, paper towels, food, coffee and industrial medical supplies. While supplies last. Limit one coupon per customer, nontransferable. Each item purchased can only be discounted by one coupon, applied by cashier in the order received and prior to tax. Coupon not valid if purchased or sold and must be surrendered. No cash/credit back. Not valid on prior purchases or purchases made with Staples® Procurement or Convenience Cards. Coupon value applied pre-tax. Expires 11/5/16. your in-store or online purchase of any regular-priced cold and flu prevention item. 10/28/16–11/5/16. 20% off 68900