National Survey Confirms Parents More Concerned About Sickness This Cold Season
Germ and parent experts offer advice on how to help stop the spread of germs
SHELTON, Conn., Feb. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- If you're a parent worried about the spread of germs this cough and cold season, you aren't alone. According to a survey conducted this January, nearly three-quarters of parents (70%) are concerned about getting sick during the cough and cold season, and the majority of parents (56%) say they are more concerned about getting sick this year than in previous cold seasons.
To measure heightened levels of parental concern during these months, Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes issued a national survey of more than 1,100 parents nationwide*. Of those surveyed, more than half (61%) reported knowing at least three family members, friends, co-workers or acquaintances who have gotten sick or caught a cold or the flu this season, and cited work (49%), school (47%) and public spaces like the gym and grocery store (42%) as the most likely places these sicknesses were contracted.
The survey also found that the majority of parents ranked hand washing (75%) and the use of antibacterial hand wipes or sanitizers (46%) as the top precautions used to protect their children from getting sick or catching a cold.
"Colds are most infectious during the first two to four days people are infected," said Dr. Tanner, founder and principal of Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, LLC, a microbiology laboratory specializing in antimicrobial technology research. "With cough and cold season in full-swing this year, regular hand washing is an effective way to ensure germ prevention and combat the spread of viruses."
For families that are constantly on the go, Dr. Tanner also recommends using an antibacterial solution such as Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes to kill 99.99% of bacteria and clean hands in those instances when soap and water are not accessible.
Dr. Tanner and Stacy DeBroff, mom, author, CEO and founder of Mom Central Consulting, offer the following tips to parents to help keep germs at bay this season:
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Dr. Tanner Advises |
Parenting Guru Stacy DeBroff Recommends |
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You can't outrun germs. Droplets from sneezes can travel at a velocity of 45 miles per hour and cover a distance of 10 feet. Wash your hands and face regularly; when soap and water are not available, use Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes to kill bacteria on your hands. |
Go into laundry overdrive. When flu season hits your family, wash your kids' pillowcases and sheets in very hot water – even daily, if you can. And, if your younger children constantly clutch a blanket or stuffed animal, toss those in, too. |
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Don't touch your face. Most cold viruses are spread by contact with surfaces through "self-inoculation" when hands pick up cold viruses, and then touch the nose or eyes to start an infection. In fact, a study of kids showed that a program to discourage touching the face reduced colds by nearly half. |
Pay attention to pals. Colds typically run through classrooms, so keep an eye on your child's friends and change plans, if needed. Reschedule play dates or sleepovers so your kids reduce their exposure to coughing, sneezing friends. |
To continue to help prevent the spread of germs in schools, Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes will be making a donation of product to 5,000 schools across the country this cough and cold season, as part of its ongoing partnership with TeacherLists.com.
"TeacherLists.com is all about supporting teachers and classrooms, and this generous donation from Wet Ones® Hand Wipes is just another way we're making that happen," said Tim Sullivan, founder of TeacherLists.com, part of School Family Media, Inc. "At this time of year, a clean, healthy classroom – and the supplies needed to make it so – is more important than ever. We're pleased that we're able to bring this product into our classrooms."
Available in two fragrances, Fresh and Citrus Scent, Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes come in three convenient forms: 40 count canisters, 15 & 20 count travel packs and 24 count box of individually wrapped single wipes.
For more information and expert tips, visit www.wetones.com.
About the Survey
*The Wet Ones® Wipes survey was conducted online via a Toluna Quick Survey from January 25-27, 2013 among a national sample of 2,500 American adults, including 1,137 parents who currently have at least one child under the age of 18 living in the residence.
About Wet Ones® Wipes Products
Wet Ones® is a registered trademark of Playtex Products, LLC, whose parent company is Energizer Holdings, Inc. Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes kill 99.99 percent of bacteria and clean better than hand sanitizers.
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes are available at most mass merchandisers, drug stores and grocery stores throughout the United States, including Target and Walmart. For more information visit www.wetones.com .
About School Family Media, Inc.
School Family Media, Inc. is a media company focused exclusively on the intersection of parents and schools and on facilitating meaningful parent engagement in schools and is the company behind TeacherLists.com. School Family Media provides the tools, content, know-how and programs to connect parents and schools in meaningful ways throughout the school year and throughout the stages of a student's school life. School Family Media – through its PTO Today magazine and ptotoday.com website – has an especially strong focus on the leadership of school PTOs and PTAs, and their key role in the school world. Other SFM offerings include SchoolFamily.com – the website for involved school families -- and School Family Nights, a series of fun, family-involvement evenings held at more than 10,000 K-8 schools each school year. For more information, please visit http://www.schoolfamilymedia.com/.
About Energizer Personal Care®
A leading manufacturer of personal care products around the world, Energizer Personal Care, LLC is a division of Energizer Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ENR), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Energizer Personal Care, LLC markets products in over one-hundred countries worldwide under the Playtex® brand infant and feminine care, Banana Boat® brand and Hawaiian Tropic® brand sun care, Skintimate® brand and Edge® brand shaving preparation, and Schick® brand shaving products. Playtex and all other trademarks are licensed or owned by Energizer or its affiliates.
SOURCE Wet Ones
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