Monday, September 7, 2009

Exp 9/8 - A Couch With A View - Kleenex

Heyhey Haaaaaay Hay! Hola friends and neighbors! My buddy, Casey, from A Couch With A View is the hostess with the mostest of an uber cool new giveaway. Sponsored by Kleenex, there's a box of new Kleenex Anti-Viral Tissues. Wait. When I say "New" it means a new product, not "New" as in "was new, but it's used." Who would want used tissues? Oh, no. You want new tissues. Not to worry, Casey at A Couch With A View would never do that to you.

With the flu season already upon us, the folks at Kleenex have answered the call of infection control. You can enter to win Kleenex Anti-Viral Tissues and a $50 Gift Card at A Couch With A View by following this link: http://acouchwithaview.blogspot.com/2009/08/battle-back-to-school-bug-with-kleenex.html



Note: I'm stepping on my soap box now. I have not tried the Kleenex Anti-Viral Tissues. This information is from me as an ER nurse and infection control advocate. This is not from A Couch With A View, and once again, this is not from Kleenex.

Number one: I feel any tissue is a helpful device in reducing the spread of the flu virus. Why? Because children often transmit the virus by coughing into their hands then touching door knobs, toys, etc. Give your child a tissue and remind them to throw the tissue away and wash their hands after every sneeze. Even if they only remember to use the tissue and forget the washing hands thing, you've taken a big step towards limiting the spread of the flu. Keep a box of tissues within reach of children of appropriate age.

Number two: The lining of the nose is a mucus membrane. This means that viruses easily enter the lining of the nose and into the blood stream. From there the virus multiplies. When the person carrying the virus sneezes the virus reenters the air and can spread to surrounding persons. Additionally, the virus can survive on surfaces for more than enough time for others to touch and "catch" the virus.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce your chance of contracting the flu virus and from spreading it yourself.
1. Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands! Anti-bacterial soap is good, but it's not any better than any other soap if you're not washing your hands correctly. It's best to use a soap dispenser. Grab your towel or dispense the amount of paper towels you'll need, especially if your in a public restroom. Wet your hands. Soap them up. While washing your hands go through your ABCs, this is roughly the amount of time recommended for washing your hands. "Fold" your fingers and wash the tops of your nails in the palm of your other hand. Then wash the ends of your nails in the same fashion. Be sure to get between your fingers and wash up to your wrist. Rinse hands from the wrists down. Dry your hands with your towel or paper towels. Use the paper towels to turn off the faucet. Use the paper towel to open the restroom door and throw the towel in the trash while you exit. I know this sounds complicated, but chances are, you already do most of these steps.
2. Carry hand disinfectant when you're out and about, but please do wash your hands with soap and water when you can.
2. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze into the crook of your arm.
3. Use a disinfectant spray on phones, door knobs, toilet handles, and faucets.
4. Don't give viruses a place to hide. Keep your fingernail short during the flu season and trim your children's nails.

Thanks for reading and I hope these hints and tips will keep you healthy this season.
Heather

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