Gretchen Schaefer
202.833.7311
Swine Influenza Outbreak—How to Stay Healthy
WASHINGTON, DC (April 27, 2009) – As world health leaders work vigorously to consider action to combat the outbreak of swine influenza, the Consumer Specialty Products Association says taking simple precautions can help consumers stay healthy.
“The swine influenza outbreak is something everyone should take seriously,” said Chris Cathcart, CSPA President. “There are several preventive measures consumers can take to keep themselves and their families healthy now and throughout the year to help prevent the spread of dangerous germs.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the spread of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is “thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing or people with the influenza.” The CDC says “germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.”
CSPA recommends consumers take the following precautions to help keep themselves healthy:
- Clean and disinfect surface areas frequently.
- Use disinfectants or sanitizers properly by following label directions to kill germs on commonly touched surfaces such as telephones and keyboards, and doorknobs and countertops.
- Wash your hands often.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to avoid contaminating commonly touched surfaces.
- Limit close contact with others who have a cold or the flu.
- Avoid contact with others when you have a cold or the flu. When possible stay home from work or school and keep your germs to yourself.
- For more information, visit www.aboutgerms.com.
About CSPA
The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of approximately 240 companies engaged in the manufacture, formulation, distribution and sale of approximately $80 billion annually in the U.S. of hundreds of familiar consumer products that help household, institutional and industrial customers create cleaner and healthier environments. Our products include disinfectants that kill germs in homes, hospitals and restaurants; candles, fragrances and air fresheners that eliminate odors; pest management products for home and garden; cleaning products for use throughout the home; products used to protect and improve the performance and appearance of automobiles; and a host of other products used everyday. Through its product stewardship program Product Care®, scientific and business-to-business endeavors, CSPA provides its members a platform to effectively address issues regarding the health, safety, sustainability and environmental impacts of their products. For more information, please visit www.cspa.org.
