Lysol® Teams Up With Comedic Actress Ana Gasteyer To Help Families Spread Cheer - Not Germs - This Holiday Season

Gasteyer puts the spotlight on family gatherings, revealing secrets for helping prevent cold and flu for joyful holiday celebrations

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Dec 04, 2014, 12:09 ET

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Dec. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As more than 85 percent of Americans prepare for holiday get-togethers this year¹, they are looking forward to sharing funny stories, traditions and homemade treats. But what they may not be thinking about is how spreading cheer can also become a time of germ sharing. That's why Lysol®, an RB brand, is partnering with Ana Gasteyer, comedic actress and mother of two, to create an over-the-top video teaching families how they can help keep illness at bay and focus on what's important – quality family time and celebration – rather than recovering from cold and flu.

"Spending time together during the holidays is something that families look forward to, but they're not just bringing presents into the house when they enter the front door," said Gasteyer. "I want folks to stay healthy for the holidays so they can spread cheer – not germs – and make happy memories with their friends and family."

The Lysol "Spread Cheer, Not Germs" video chronicles the often germy situations families find themselves in during holidays, whether it's spending time with relatives who could use a lesson or two on proper hygiene (wash your hands!), buying last-minute gifts (thousands-have-touched-it credit card machine!) or simply in the company of others (uncovered sneezes!). As an overprotective mom, Gasteyer's character steps onto the scene to provide practical solutions for avoiding those germs traps, such as effective handwashing, proper sneeze and cough etiquette, and regular surface disinfection.

"With the flurry of holiday activity and get-togethers, keeping families healthy and happy can seem like an impossible challenge," said Conor O'Brien, marketing director, Lysol. "As part of the Lysol mission, we are passionately committed to helping families stay healthy this season by educating them about the simple things they can do to help prevent the spread of germs. With the necessary tools and knowledge, avoiding cold and flu can be a reality this year."

As part of the "Spread Cheer, Not Germs" campaign, Lysol will also engage families buying gifts for loved ones with cheerful Lysol handwashing stations. Interactive sinks and mirrors at some of the country's largest shopping hot spots will engage travelers with jokes, songs and trivia, encouraging them to wash their hands and help prevent the transmission of illness-causing germs. Those with exemplary spirit will be rewarded with product gift baskets. Locations include: Lenox Square Mall (Atlanta, GA); Woodfield Mall (Schaumburg, IL); Mall of America (Minneapolis, MN) and King of Prussia Mall (King of Prussia, PA).

Lysol has been a leader in germ kill for more than 100 years, supporting cold and flu prevention by offering a full range of effective products to help stop the spread of harmful germs. Lysol No-Touch Hand Soap removes 99.9 percent of germs from hands, and Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfecting Wipes kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses on commonly touched surfaces, such as door knobs, counters, keyboards and remote controls.

In addition to proper disinfection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends consumers take the following three actions to protect themselves and others from the flu*:

Take time to get the flu vaccine.
Take everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs such as washing your hands often with soap and water, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

For further information on staying healthy during cold and flu season, please visit the following resources:

Lysol: www.lysol.com/coldandflu
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.CDC.gov
Flu.gov: www.flu.gov

*Source: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

About RB

RB (formerly called Reckitt Benckiser) is the world's leading consumer health and hygiene company. The company has operations in over 60 countries, with headquarters in the UK, Singapore, Dubai and Amsterdam, and sales in almost 200 countries. The company employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide.

With a purpose of delivering innovative solutions for healthier lives and happier homes, RB is in the top 20 of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. Today it is the global No. 1 or No. 2 in the majority of its fast-growing categories, driven by an exceptional rate of innovation. Its health, hygiene and home portfolio is led by 19 global Powerbrands including Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Lysol, MegaRed, Veet, Finish, Air Wick, French's, Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Dettol, Harpic, Bang, Veja, Mortein, Vanish and Calgon. At the start of 2014 RB had 43% of its core revenues coming from its 2 emerging market areas and 57% from its developed market area; 72% of core revenues came from the health and hygiene categories of the portfolio.

Fuelled by a new breed of talent who blend intellectual curiosity with commitment to the highest quality standards, RB is set to redefine the world of consumer health and hygiene. RB people and its culture are at the heart of the company's success.

For more information visit www.rb.com.