Flu season peaks early: Tips to get you through it | Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), what was already expected to be a moderate to severe flu season is peaking early across the majority of the country.

Almost the entire country is red (indicating high flu levels) on the CDC flu map.

According to the CDC, 47 states are reporting widespread levels of influenza-like illness activity, indicating high levels of activity in each state.

The CDC is urging all Americans to take the proper precautions this year, which include getting a flu shot, covering your cough, observing proper hand hygiene and staying home from work when you’re not feeling well.  But while many people are wiping down surfaces and keeping their hands clean, they may forget that flu germs can also be transmitted through the air.Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum, Director of the Center for Medical Mycology, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, offers the following germ fighting hygiene tips:

• Create a barrier: There is a new category of oral sprays that kill airborne germs the user has breathed in, led by Halo Oral Antiseptic. Halo forms a coating at the back of your mouth, that kills airborne germs that you breathe in for up to six hours.
• Hands Free: Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available to keep your hands germ-free.
• Keep It Clean: Whether at home or at work, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, faucet handles, phones, and toys to keep the germs off your hands.

Making its timely debut this flu season is Halo Oral Antiseptic, which uses an FDA-monographed oral antiseptic ingredient, and is clinically proven to kill airborne germs that are breathed in for up to six hours of protection.  With three quick sprays into the back of mouth, its unique formula creates a coating that catches and kills airborne germs. Halo has been proven to kill a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria, including influenza, rhinovirus, streptococcus and whooping cough germs. Scientific and clinical studies proving Halo’s efficacy were conducted at Case Western Medical Center, one of the leading medical research institutions in the country.

“The flu shot is an important way to avoid getting sick, but is not always 100% effective,” noted Ghannoum, the scientist behind Halo.  “By using an oral antiseptic spray like Halo, you have a convenient way to combat airborne germs you breathe in. Halo is an important additional tool to in the fight against germs.”

Halo is available in the cough and cold section at CVS and other major retailers nationwide in a convenient, travel-size 1 fl oz. (30 ml) bottle, providing 35 doses for a suggested retail price of $12.99.  There are two flavors for adults, berry and citrus, and a grape flavor for children ages two and up.  Halo is alcohol-, dye- and sugar-free.

For more information about Halo and the dangers of airborne germs, visitwww.halogermdefense.com and Halo Oral Antiseptic on Facebook and Twitter.

Halo and Protection From the Air You Share are trademarks of Oasis ConsumerHealthcare.