Local flu doctor and pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Nancy Bermal concurs with the PSI or what she terms as the ‘flu prevention triad.’  “We should be worried about flu in the sense that we have to prepare for it— but not to the extent that we have to panic.” And she believes that the flu prevention triad is a good exercise in preparedness.

Personal Hygiene

The main way that the flu is spread from person to person is through coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and make contact with the mouth or nose of people nearby.

To counter this, Dr. Bermal recommends what she calls the ‘cough etiquette.’ “This simply means turning your head when coughing or sneezing and covering your mouth with disposable tissue.” She also stresses the importance of frequent hand washing.

Surface and Air Cleaning

Dr. Bermal also observes that surface and air cleaning is another important aspect in flue prevention. “Let’s say you sneeze and then proceed to hold the doorknob or the table—you may not know it, but the virus or bacteria can be transmitted to that area.”

She notes that the virus also can be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes into his hands and then proceeds to touch a surface (like a phone, remote control, or toy) before washing. Another person could become sick if he or she touches that surface and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth, or nose before washing. She adds that it’s important to remember that flu viruses and other germs can live two hours or longer on hard environmental surfaces like tables, doorknobs, and desks.

Among the leading disinfection brands in the market today is Lysol^®. Considered as the #1 disinfection brand recommended by pediatricians (Based on National US Survey), Lysol^® kills 99.9% of germs in 30 seconds. Among these is the Flu virus or Influenza A.

Immune Boosting

The pediatric infectious disease specialist also mentions the importance of strengthening the immune system. “The immune system is a network that helps you avoid illness — or sometimes it can become the underlying reason you get sick”

In order to boost immunity, vaccination and lifestyle modification is recommended. Reducing stress; getting enough sleep (7-8 hours daily for best immune function) and sticking with a mostly plant-based diet that’s low in red meat and high in fresh fruits and vegetables are only some of the techniques that people can adapt.

As a parting note to the general public, Dr. Bermal once again calls for preparedness tempered with sobriety. “Everybody should keep calm and educate themselves about flu and other infections as well,” notes the flu doctor.  She also reiterates the importance of practicing PSI or the flue prevention triad. “We have to do our part by maintaining good hygiene, practicing surface and air cleaning as well as striving for a strong immune system. Of course, all of these should be practiced by the whole family — starting from the mothers down to the kids.”

For more information about flu prevention log on to www.flupreventionphilippines.com

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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf strengthened its commitment to quality customer service by joining the Flu Prevention Coalition—the first and the biggest private sector initiative that seeks to control and contain the spread of the H1N1 virus in the Philippines. “Joining the Flu Prevention coalition is our way of our way of showing our customers that that we’re aware of the problem and we’re doing our part as a responsible business entity to educate people and to help prevent spreading the virus,” says Del Rosario

“Joining the Flu Prevention coalition is our way of our way of showing our customers that that we’re aware of the problem and we’re doing our part as a responsible business entity to educate people and to help prevent spreading the virus,” says Del Rosario.

The Flu Prevention Coalition is the first and the biggest private sector initiative that seeks to control and contain the spread of the H1N1 virus in the Philippines. Under the banner project “Oplan Flunas,” the group is advancing the Flu Prevention Triad – which can be summarized by the acronym PSI –comprised of Personal Hygiene (P), Surface and Air Disinfection (S) and Immune Boosting (I). Just like the common Flu, Influenza A H1N1 is best fought through prevention. And when it comes to surface and air disinfection, Lysol® is a weapon trusted by most pediatricians and mothers. Based on lab tests, Lysol® kills 99.9% of germs in 30 seconds including Flu and strains similar to the Influenza AH1N1 virus.

Meanwhile, Blanco encourages other institutions to join Oplan Flunas. “Oplan Flunas is composed of a group of people who have a common goal,” notes the Reckitt Benckiser representative. “ And the more civic minded organizations that take part of this initiative, the easier it will be for all of us to prevent the spread of Influenza.”

To get more information about flu prevention log on to www.flupreventionphilippines.com.

This is the prevailing question asked by  stakeholders of “Oplan Flunas”– the first and the biggest private sector initiative that seeks to control and contain the spread of the Influenza A H1N1 virus in the Philippines.

The group is advancing the Flu Prevention Triad – which can be summarized by the acronym PSI –comprised of Personal Hygiene (P), Surface and Air Disinfection (S) and Immune Boosting (I).

“The threat of a flu pandemic is always there,” asserts Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director of the National Institutes of Health and one of the proponents of the project. “But whether or not this will become as big as the 1918 pandemic is dependent so much on one, preventive measures and two, on how the people in the community respond to this threat.”

To date, Oplan Flunas has opened 189 flu-prevention awareness doors all over the country , including Laguna, Cebu and the National Capital Region. All 189 doors will be awarded an “Oplan Flunas” seal, which certifies their adherence to the Flu Prevention Triad.

Comprehensive, Complementary, Complete

“Influenza A H1N1 is being discussed everywhere. “But information on its prevention always comes in parcels—some talk about hand washing; there’s a few that discuss vaccination while others speak about immune boosting,” notes Gerald Blanco, Lysol Senior Brand Manager. “ And we thought that amidst all these, there’s a very real imperative to outline flu prevention guidelines that are comprehensive, complementary and complete.”

With this in mind, Lysol initiated Oplan Flunas and the Flu Prevention Triad. “ This is probably the first time that a call to flu vigilance is this thorough and far-reaching,” says Blanco. “ And we’re proud to have taken the first step to bring together like-minded individuals in this initiative.”

Not Business As Usual

Aside from Reckitt Benckiser  (Lysol) top retailers in the country including the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Fitness First Philippines, Nail Spa and 3M among others, are also part of Oplan Flunas.

Without exception, all business establishments joined to strengthen their commitment to quality customer service. “Joining is our way of showing our customers that that we’re aware of the problem and we’re doing our part as a

responsible business entity to educate people and to help prevent spreading the virus,” says Paolo Del Rosario, Director for Marketing, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

Back to a Flu-Less School

Meanwhile, Laguna Lake Development Authority Chairwoman Uliran Joaquin is instrumental in bringing Oplan Flunas to the public schools of Laguna.

“Sa ngayon, wala pang swine flu samin sa Laguna at gusto ko sanang manatiling ganito,” notes the former three-time Laguna Congresswoman.  San Vicente Elementary School in San Pedro and two others in Binan and Sta. Rosa  are the first beneficiaries of Oplan Flunas. “ Sana maging modelo ng buong Laguna ang mga eskuwelahan na aming mapupuntahan.”

San Vicente Elementary School  Principal Mrs. Lolita M. Vierneza, is grateful for the assistance extended by the Flu Prevention Coalition. “ Alam naming mga guro na oras na may magkasakit sa loob ng classroom, hindi malayong magkahawaan na. Kaya nga lubos-lubos ang aming pag-iingat,” says the 40-year teaching veteran. “ At salamat dahil magkakaroon kami ng kaagapay sa pag-limlim sa aming mga estudyante.”

Onto a Flu-Less Philippines

Current stakeholders of Oplan Flunas are optimistic that other socially responsible corporations and institutions will soon join their ranks.

“ At the end of the day, behind  every corporation are individuals –individuals who want to protect themselves, their families, their businesses and their customers,” says Gerald Blanco. “And Oplan Flunas is essentially that: a group of individuals brought together by a common goal to prevent the spread of Influenza.”

For more information about the Flu Prevention Triad and on how to take part  of Oplan Flunas– the biggest and most comprehensive public-private-government alliance for flu prevention— log on to www.flupreventionphilippines.com

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Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director of the National Institutes of Health is joining forces with the Flu Prevention Coalition in fighting for the effective control of Influenza A- H1N1 virus in the country. The country’s leading medical research institution recognizes the threat of the Influenza A H1N1 virus and believes that collaborative efforts between the public and the private sector to promote preventive flu measures are in order. “The threat of a flu pandemic is always there,” notes Bravo. “But whether or not this will become as big as the 1918 pandemic is dependent so much on one preventive measures and two, on how the people in the community respond to this threat.”

The country’s leading medical research institution recognizes the threat of the Influenza A H1N1 virus and believes that collaborative efforts between the public and the private sector to promote preventive flu measures are in order. “The threat of a flu pandemic is always there,” notes Bravo. “But whether or not this will become as big as the 1918 pandemic is dependent so much on one preventive measures and two, on how the people in the community respond to this threat.”

The Flu Prevention Coalition is the first and the biggest private sector initiative that seeks to control and contain the spread of the H1N1 virus in the Philippines. Under the banner project “Oplan Flunas,” the group is advancing the Flu Prevention Triad – which can be summarized by the acronym PSI –comprised of Personal Hygiene (P), Surface and Air Disinfection (S) and Immune Boosting (I). Just like the common Flu, Influenza A H1N1 is best fought through prevention. And when it comes to surface and air disinfection, Lysol^® is a weapon trusted by most pediatricians and mothers. Based on lab tests, Lysol^® kills 99.9% of germs in 30 seconds including Flu and strains similar to the Influenza AH1N1 virus.

Meanwhile, Blanco encourages other institutions to join Oplan Flunas. “Oplan Flunas is composed of a group of people who have a common goal,” notes the Reckitt Benckiser representative. “ And the more civic minded organizations that take part of this initiative, the easier it will be for all of us to prevent the spread of Influenza.”

To get more information about flu prevention log on to www.flupreventionphilippines.com

The Flu Prevention Coalition is the first and the biggest private sector initiative that seeks to control and contain the spread of the H1N1 virus in the Philippines. Under the banner project “Oplan Flunas,” the group is advancing the Flu Prevention Triad – which can be summarized by the acronym PSI –comprised of Personal Hygiene (P), Surface and Air Disinfection (S) and Immune Boosting (I). Just like the common Flu, Influenza A H1N1 is best fought through prevention. And when it comes to surface and air disinfection, Lysol^® is a weapon trusted by most pediatricians and mothers. Based on lab tests, Lysol^® kills 99.9% of germs in 30 seconds including Flu and strains similar to the Influenza AH1N1 virus.

Meanwhile, Blanco encourages other institutions to join Oplan Flunas. “Oplan Flunas is composed of a group of people who have a common goal,” notes the Reckitt Benckiser representative. “ And the more civic minded organizations that take part of this initiative, the easier it will be for all of us to prevent the spread of Influenza.”

Together with Uliran Joaquin, the Flu Prevention Coalition will go to select schools from the towns of San Pablo, Santa Rosa and Binan to cultivate awareness and responsibility about Influenza A H1N1.

To get more information about flu prevention log on to www.flupreventionphilippines.com

Flu virus normally spreads via air droplets expelled from the mouth of an infected person when he talks, coughs, or sneezes.  These air droplets often land on hands and on adjacent surfaces. Research shows that germs could actually live on surfaces for up to 48 hours.

Hand washing is not enough

Pediatric infectious disease specialist and Flu Doctor Nancy Bermal assets that people can best protect themselves against the flu by taking precautions handy precautions including frequent hand washing and surface disinfecting.

When Dr. Bermal says ‘frequent hand washing,’ she means frequent. She shares that some of the prescribed times to wash ones hands include: before and after eating; before and after preparing food; after using the bathroom or changing diapers; after sneezing or coughing and finally, after taking care of a someone sick.

However, Dr. Bermal asserts that flu prevention does not stop with frequent hand washing.  “Your hands may be clean, but what if the surfaces they come in contact with are the ones infested with harmful germs and viruses such as the flu?”

Gerald Blanco, Sr. Brand Manager for Lysol Philippines agrees with the Flu Doctor that Personal Hygiene and Surface Disinfecting should go hand-in-hand.  “One can’t do without the other.  Most of us are not aware that diseases could be contracted through common household surfaces. Our clean hands may easily be contaminated the minute we come into contact with germ-infested surfaces,” notes Blanco.

Check the Label

While disinfecting is critical, how would one know which brand to buy in the market?

Blanco encourages consumers to take a closer look at the labels of disinfectant products.  “Consumers must take time in reading the product claims.  Consumer products undergo a rigid scrutiny by the BFAD, before making and communicating claims to consumers, hence the labels have to be backed up by credible research information,” shares Blanco.

Blanco cites Lysol as an example wherein the back label of the product lists down efficacy against bacteria and viruses.  “It would do a great deal for consumers to check out the back labels, especially when buy a disinfectant brand,” comments Blanco.

“Lysol Disinfectant Spray is proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including Influenza A (H1N1).  We are communicating this claim not only through packaging but also via other means available,” notes Blanco.

Prevention through Education

“Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak could be stopped by getting more people aware of the prevention measures.  However, the message has to be complete,” comments Dr. Bermal.

Lysol, an advocate of PSI Triad of Flu Prevention – P for Personal Hygiene, S for Surface and Air Disinfection and I for Immune Booting – has launched Oplan Flunas, a coalition of Private and Public sectors aiming to drive prevention through education.  “We need to reach as many people possible, but the message has to be complete and understandable.  We are making the rounds getting this very critical message to the public,” shares Blanco.

To find out more about flu prevention, log on to www.flupreventionphilippines.com.

KEEP YOUR HOME FREE FROM FLU BY FOLLOWING THE COUGH ETIQUETTE AND DISINFECTING

STEP 1: Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing
STEP 2: Make Sure you dispose the tissue properly
STEP 3: Wash your hands with soap and water OR clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner
STEP 4: Keep the surface and air clean with readily available household cleaning agents or disinfectants.

The flu virus can be killed by 70% ethanol, Lysol (BFAD approved to kill 99.9% flu virus) or bleach.

Be Aware
“It’s important to read the newspapers and to know what’s going on in other countries,” citing the most recent Swine Flu mortality count of 49 casualties and 1,600 cases as an example. “But what’s more important than identifying these numbers, is knowing how to differentiate between the three most ‘visible’ types of flu—the seasonal flu, the avian flu and the swine flu.” Dr. Bermal explains that flu viruses commonly circulate in the human and animal environment. Seasonal flu is caused by flu viruses that change to spread in humans; whereas the avian flu is caused by flu viruses that affect birds and the swine flu is caused by those that affect pigs. She notes that the mixing of human and animal flu viruses can lead to the development of new viruses in which the human population has little or no immunity against.

Despite this, Dr. Bermal assures the public that the local health department has already been taking active measures to address the swine flu virus threat. “The preparedness that we’re exercising is more on surveillance.” At present, passengers coming from Mexico and other infected countries are screened for the flu. Those found to be infected will be quarantined at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine until proven free of the said virus.

Be Clean
While local health officials are doing their part, the Flu Doctor also reminds the public to do theirs by practicing good hygiene and keeping their homes clean. Flu is commonly spread through coughing and sneezing; and to counter this, Dr. Bermal recommends what she calls the ‘cough etiquette.’ “This simply means turning your head when coughing or sneezing and covering your mouth with disposable tissue and disposing the tissue properly.” She also stresses the importance of frequent hand washing with soap and water or alcohol based hand cleanser.

Dr. Bermal observes that surface cleaning is another important aspect in preventing flu strains. “Let’s say you sneeze and then proceed to hold the doorknob or the table—you may not know it, but the virus or bacteria can be transmitted to that area.” Because of this, she recommends cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, faucets/sinks, counter tops, telephones, light switches, bath tubs, garbage cans and shower curtains.

As a parting note to the general public, Dr. Bermal once again calls for preparedness tempered with sobriety. “The news has come out all over the media; but everybody should keep calm and educate themselves about flu and other infections as well. Of course, we have to do our part by maintaining good hygiene practices within the whole family – starting from the mothers down to the kids.”

Twenty-two million school days are lost every year to the common cold – meaning someone needs to stay home to care for the kids. The flu virus can live on surfaces for 2 whole days – meaning siblings and the hubby could also become contaminated.Cold and flu viruses are the leading cause of doctor’s visits – meaning pesos spent in consults and medicine.

But while the flu’s more complicated than it seems, the way to a flu-less family is quite simple. In fact, it’s as easy as keeping your household clean and disinfected. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a new fact sheet, “Control of Pandemic Flu Virus on Environmental Surfaces in Homes and Public Places,” which explains how cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in homes and public places can help to prevent the spread of influenza:

WHAT CAUSES COLDS?

The main way that the flu is spread from person to person is through coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and make contact with the mouth or nose of people nearby.

Droplets from an infected person can also make contact with environmental surfaces (like the tops of tables). The virus can then be spread from those surfaces if a person touches the droplets and then touches his own eyes, mouth, or nose before washing his hands.

The virus also can be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes into his hands and then proceeds to touch a surface (like a phone, remote control, or toy) before washing. Another person could become sick if he or she touches that surface and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth, or nose before washing. It’s important to note that flu viruses and other germs can live two hours or longer on hard environmental surfaces like tables, doorknobs, and desks.

KEEP YOUR HOME CLEAN AND DISINFECTED

Cleaning and disinfecting are not the same thing. Cleaning removes only some of the germs from surfaces, whereas disinfecting actually destroys them. Therefore, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stresses that it’s important to routinely clean and disinfect surfaces.

Among the leading disinfection brands in the market today is Lysol^®. Considered as the #1 disinfection brand recommended by pediatricians (Based on National US Survey), Lysol^® kills 99.9% of germs in 30 seconds. Among these is the Flu virus or Influenza A.

For a flu-less home, you only need to clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, faucets/sinks, counter tops, telephones, light switches, bath tubs, garbage cans and shower curtains. But since cleaning only removes dirt, but doesn’t actually destroy germs, it’s recommended to use LYSOL® Disinfectant Spray to kill 99.9% of germs on these commonly touched surfaces.

So because it’s sure to bring more than just fevers and sniffles, keep your home flu-less with good cleaning practices and a dose of LYSOL® Disinfectant Spray.