Everyone Can Help Prevent the Flu.

Prevention and preparation are essential to preserving normal household functions and reducing the risk of contracting the flu for you and your family.

As the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention track the progress of the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus around the globe, it is important for the public to be aware of a time-tested ally in the war against germs—chlorine bleach. Widely available and inexpensive, chlorine bleach is a key ally in the battle against the spread of colds, flu and other infectious illnesses.

Viruses and other germs can live on hard surfaces such as door knobs, keyboards and children’s toys for hours, providing opportunities for infection by hand contact. A dilute solution of laundry bleach is a ready disinfectant that can help keep families healthy. According to the Water Quality & Health Council, surfaces can be disinfected using a fresh mixture of ¼ cup of household bleach with one gallon of cool water. Apply the solution to surfaces, leaving wet for 10 minutes, then rinse.

• Water Quality and Health Council's Flu Web site
• PandemicFlu.gov—U.S. Government Swine, Avian and Pandemic Flu Information
• CDC and Swine Flu
• Chlorine Bleach: Helping to Manage the Flu Risk
• 3M Responds to H1N1 Influenza Outbreaks