Cold and flu season news: Avoid sickness by using a four-step process to eliminate germs

(BPT) - All across the country this winter Americans have braced themselves for one polar vortex after another and many regions are experiencing their coldest temperatures in more than 20 years. This undesirable weather is driving adults and children alike indoors, where viruses and germs are spreading like wildfire.

According to the American Lung Association, the air in your home contains pollutants like germs and viruses – leading causes of cold and flu. What’s more is that the flu can spread to people up to 6 feet away without a sneeze or cough to propel it (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). These viruses stay suspended in the air for hours before landing on surfaces where they can live up to 24 hours (LiveScience.com, U.K. National Health System).

The CDC states cold and flu season can last as long as May so while you’re scheduling your flu shot and stocking up on hand sanitizer and surface disinfectant, don’t forget about the air in your home by following a four-step process for cold and flu prevention:

1. Ask about a flu shot

2. Wash and sanitize hands regularly

3. Wipe down surfaces with powerful disinfectants

4. Purify the air indoors

With new products on the market this year, purifying the air indoors can be easier than you think. New Fellowes AeraMax air purifiers are extremely effective at removing influenza and cold viruses from indoor air. In fact, these powerful machines remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles including dust, mold, pollen, ragweed, pet dander and cigarette smoke in addition to viruses and germs.

Cold and flu season doesn’t have to mean your family will get sick. Go beyond hand washing to take extra steps to ensure your family remains happy and healthy. Visit www.fellowes.com for more information.