Wash your hands frequently with Dial Complete Hand Wash and lather vigorously to increase the effectiveness of the soap in reducing dirt, germs, and bacteria from your hands. After rinsing and drying hands, use a paper towel to turn off faucet and open doors to prevent recontamination. Disinfect surfaces regularly like door knobs, stair rails, and counters, using Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, as directed, to avoid the spread of viruses. To avoid spreading person-to-person germs when coughing, cough into the crook of your elbow instead of your hands. You will help prevent the spread of germs.

Please take action and protect yourself and your family all season by following the steps outlined in the 'Plan.Prepare.Defend ™ campaign. Being proactive is key to maintaining and protecting your personal health, says Nicholas "Dr. Nick" Yphantides, MD, MPH Family and Preventive Medicine Physician, San Diego, CA.

You should also pump up your families ™ immune system with healthy foods and plenty of sleep, advises David G. Schrunk, MD.

If you do get sick, be prepared with plenty of KLEENEX Anti-Viral* facial tissue. It kills 99.9 % of common cold and flu viruses in the tissue. Throw away the tissue and wash your hands thoroughly.

The leading Plan. Prepare. Defend. brands are also offering coupons and discounts at participating local retailers to enable consumers to stock up on the items they need this cold & flu season.

In addition, there is also a school outreach element to the Plan. Prepare. Defend. campaign giving kids, grades K-8, the opportunity to learn more about cold and flu preparedness and a chance to win $500 for their school by entering the Healthy Schools Challenge.

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