MedExpress Launches #StoptheSpread of Sickness Pledge Campaign

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Sept. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- When a person in the grocery line sneezes or a co-worker brings a cold into the office, it can start a ripple effect that ends with you, family, friends, neighbors and colleagues getting sick. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), adults experience an average of 2-3 colds each year, children even more, and each year more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications. Also according to the CDC, both colds and flu are illnesses that are largely preventable.

In response, MedExpress, a neighborhood provider of walk-in medical care that serves nearly three million patients annually in 14 states and treats thousands of patients for flu and influenza-like-illness each year, is rolling out a pledge campaign today in an effort to raise awareness about the preventable nature of colds and flu. In its inaugural year, the #StoptheSpread of Sickness campaign is a grassroots, community effort that urges others to #StoptheSpread by pledging to practice simple, everyday healthy habits to reduce germ sharing. Pledge takers promise to sneeze into a tissue, get a flu shot, drink plenty of fluids, visit the doctor when they're sick and do their part to keep from spreading sickness to others.

"While largely unintentional, the fact is we live, work and play in close proximity to each other and it's all too easy to pass cold, flu, germs and other illnesses on to those around us," said Thomas Pangburn, MD, MedExpress Vice President of Provider and Clinical Quality. "The good news is that, in most cases, there's something we can do about it. Prevention is the best medicine, and there are easy things we can all do every day to keep ourselves and others healthy. If we all make a concerted effort to keep these habits top of mind and practice them regularly, we can greatly reduce the spread of illness in our communities."

As part of the campaign, MedExpress' 4,000 employees are being asked to take the pledge and are encouraging patients who visit any of their 153 centers across the country to join in. Pledge takers will receive health and awareness tips, flu updates and ways to share the campaign with others throughout this cold and flu season. For more information or to take the #StoptheSpread pledge, visit stopthespreadpledge.com.

"MedExpress is committed to keeping our patients and communities healthy, but we can't do it alone," said Pangburn. "Together, we can make the greatest impact and help #StoptheSpread – so we all get less sick, less often."

About MedExpress
MedExpress is a national leader in delivering high-quality, convenient and affordable walk-in care. It provides a broad scope of services including urgent care, occupational health and wellness and prevention. MedExpress' full-service neighborhood medical centers are open 12 hours per day, seven days a week and always have a fully staffed medical team on site. MedExpress has administrative offices in Morgantown, W.Va., and Canonsburg, Pa. For more information, visit www.medexpress.com.

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