Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. teams up with entertainer Nick Cannon as he steps off-stage to help America get flu-ready

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Every year, the flu strikes up to 20% of people across the United States, and more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized for flu-related complications annually.¹ That's why preparedness is key to keeping families healthy during cold and flu season. To help consumers get flu-ready, Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., the makers of Theraflu^®, has teamed up with performer and father of two, Nick Cannon, to announce the launch of the Theraflu^® Fluprint^™ program. As part of the program, Novartis Consumer Health will also make up to a $100,000 donation to national nonprofit organization Families Fighting Flu to support flu preparedness for those in need.

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The Theraflu^® Fluprint^™ program is a five-step action plan (LEARN, VACCINATE, PREPARE, TREAT and SHARE) to help consumers get flu-ready and prepare their families for the season. The program offers a number of educational resources, including a cold and flu symptom kit, a quiz to test cold and flu knowledge, details about where to get vaccinated and information on over-the-counter treatment options. Consumers can also find out whether flu activity is high in their area or where to buy Theraflu^® products by visiting www.Theraflu.com and clicking on the WheresFlu^® tracker or "Product Locator." As part of the program, Novartis Consumer Health will donate $1 up to $100,000 for every Like on the Theraflu^® Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TherafluUS) to Families Fighting Flu.

"I'm constantly traveling and on-the go, so I can't afford to let cold and flu symptoms slow me down, especially when I'm working or taking care of my family. That's why I always stay flu-ready by getting vaccinated every year and having Theraflu^® products on-hand," said Cannon. "This season, I wanted to do something to help all Americans get flu-ready too, so I'm asking everyone to join me in the fight against the cold and flu; visit and Like the Theraflu^® Facebook page today."

"We're thrilled to work with Novartis Consumer Health on such an important flu-readiness program," said Laura Scott, Executive Director of Families Fighting Flu. "Our organization has seen countless families affected by the flu, and we remain committed to bringing education about the flu, prevention tips and treatment options to the forefront."  

For more information about the Theraflu^® Fluprint^™ program and donation details, find us at www.facebook.com/TherafluUS or visit www.Theraflu.com. As with all medications, use Theraflu^® as directed on the package label.

About Theraflu^®
The makers of Theraflu^® offer a variety of powerful over-the-counter products to help temporarily relieve the worst cold and flu symptoms to help people feel better. Theraflu^® products contain a combination of active ingredients which may include acetaminophen (pain reliever/fever reducer), phenylephrine (nasal decongestant), dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) and diphenhydramine (cough suppressant/antihistamine). Consumers should always use Theraflu^® products as directed on the product label. Visit www.Theraflu.com or www.facebook.com/TherafluUS for more information on Theraflu^® products and the cold and flu.

About the Theraflu^® Fluprint^™ program
The Theraflu^® Fluprint^™ program is a five-step action plan to help consumers get flu-ready:

• LEARN: learn about the cold and flu, including prevention tips
• VACCINATE: get information about the flu shot and where to find it nearby
• PREPARE: get ready before symptoms hit; steer clear of sick friends and family to help prevent the cold and flu
• TREAT: find relief of cold and flu symptoms with over-the-counter cold and flu medications
• SHARE: spread the word about the program and rally others to the cause

Disclaimer
This press release contains expressed or implied forward-looking statements, including statements that can be identified by terminology such as "will," "launches," "launch," "can," "committed," or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Group regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such statements. These expectations could be affected by, among other things, risks and factors referred to in the Risk Factors section of Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update it in the future.

About Novartis
Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. (NCH) is a world leader in the research, development, production and marketing of self-medication products that do not require a prescription. NCH products are designed for the in-home treatment and prevention of medical conditions and ailments as well as the enhancement of overall health and well-being.

Located in Parsippany, New Jersey, Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. is an affiliate of Novartis AG. Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2013, the Group achieved net sales of USD 57.9 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.9 billion (USD 9.6 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 135,000 full-time-equivalent associates and sell products in more than 150 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis.

References
1.   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal Influenza Q&A. Available here: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm. Last accessed August 11, 2014.

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SOURCE Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.