(Wall Street Journal) — They lurk on the kitchen sponge, your computer keyboard and the dirty laundry. Flush the toilet and they become airborne. Strangers leave them behind on airplanes, gas pumps, shopping carts, coffeeshop counters and elevator buttons. Your desktop, office microwave handles, and the exercise bike at the gym are covered with them. Don’t even think about the toys at day-care centers or the kids’ playground equipment.

Germs—the microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa that can cause disease—cling to the most common surfaces and then hitch a ride on our hands. As swine flu spreads from person to person around the world, it is most often being transmitted by coughing or sneezing, but it can also infect people who touch something with flu virus on it and then touch their mouth or nose, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns. And like an unwelcome house guest, a flu virus can hang around for days.

No wonder germophobes—including me—are on high alert, viewing every surface as a potentially lethal petri dish. We’re using our elbows to push elevator buttons, forgoing the handshake and social kiss for the fist bump, and fanatically disinfecting everything in sight.

But how vulnerable are we to the sea of germs swirling around us? Our immune system protects us from most of them, and in some spots that harbor germs, like household drains, the risk of transfer is low. Experts say there’s no reason to panic—even though there may be good reasons to be grossed out, since the spread of germs is often linked to poor bathroom hygiene and bacteria from human waste.

Cleaning and disinfecting things like desks and doorknobs can play a role in protecting us, he says, but “focusing on one surface misses the point, because no surface is not germy.” (The CDC.gov Web site offers information on keeping germs at bay in the home, how to wash your hands correctly, and the importance of flu vaccines and other immunizations in preventing disease.)Also, not all germs are harmful; we need friendly bacteria that live on our skin to help fight off bad bugs, and bacteria in our mouth and gut help digest our food and prevent illness and disease.

Still, I wanted to know where in my home, office and wider world I should most forcefully brandish my disinfectant wipes and hand-sanitizer. My calls to experts turned up some surprising culprits: the public toilet seats I’d always been warned about are likely cleaner than the desks in my workplace. My kitchen sponge and cutting board harbor the biggest dangers, as do places like elevator buttons, communal coffee carafes and gym equipment, that are touched by many hands and are rarely cleaned.

One of the scariest germ incubators may be the office. Your co-worker eating at the next cubicle isn’t just annoying you with the smell of fried onions—he’s leaving behind particles of food that can be breeding ground for bacteria. Add in the microbes transferred from workers’ hands to keyboards, phones and the computer mouse, and the average office desk is may harbor 400 times more germs than the average toilet seat, since office desks and surfaces may be rarely cleaned, while bathrooms tend to be disinfected regularly, Dr. Gerba says.

After testing surfaces and objects in 113 offices in five cities, the Arizona researchers found that women’s offices had more than twice the bacteria of their male counterparts. Makeup cases, phones and purses had the highest number of bacteria; for men it was wallets, hand-held electronic devices and phones. Women’s offices had higher numbers of mold and yeast, mostly from food kept in drawers. But the superbug MRSA, isolated in 6% of offices, was found more often in men’s offices on the phone, computer mouse, desktop and the bottom of desk drawers.

The studies are funded by makers of disinfectants including Procter & Gamble and Clorox, whose products were also used to test the effectiveness of cleaning and compare regular cleaning regimens to disinfecting with substances like bleach. Dr. Gerba says more research is needed on the link between surface germs and disease, since it’s impossible to say who will get sick. “Some people will never get ill no matter what they do or don’t do, and others will get ill almost every time,” he notes.

A washable keyboard and mouse are a great way to minimize the amount of germs that linger on your desk. WETKEYS.com offers a wide selection of cleanable keyboards and mice for any work environment and keyboard user.

Where the Worst Germs Lurk 

(USA Today) — The only thing experts can say for sure about this flu season is that it will be unlike any other, with multiple flu viruses circulating, one of which most people are defenseless against. “This year we are in uncharted territory,” says Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Thomas Frieden. “What will happen in the coming weeks and months will only become clear in the weeks and months ahead.” Here is a handy guide to prepare for flu season by USA TODAY’s Steve Sternberg, compiled from information provided by the CDC and other sources.

What is Novel H1N1 (swine flu)?

It is an influenza virus that has never been seen in humans before and is spreading around the world. On June 11, the World Health Organization issued its highest form of global public health alert when it labeled the disease a pandemic.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Many people also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Most people recover without hospitalization, but some people get so sick they need intensive care, and some of those don’t survive.

Can I protect myself from getting sick?

Get vaccinated. Vaccine for H1N1 flu is due in October, although certain groups are asked to move toward the head of the line. Vaccine for seasonal flu is available now. Public health experts advise adults and children to get both vaccines, because seasonal flu, by itself, kills 36,000 people a year and causes 200,000 hospitalizations. Jon McCullers of St. Jude’s Children’s Research also recommends that children get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia, which has been a major cause of deaths in previous flu epidemics.

Who should get vaccine?

• The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends swine flu vaccination for pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old, health care workers, young people ages 6 months to 24 years and people 25 to 64 with chronic medical conditions or weakened immunity. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has urged health workers and people who care for infants to get vaccinated, because they so often come in contact with those who are most vulnerable to severe flu complications. “The best way to protect babies is to protect those who come in close contact with them,” she says.

• Seasonal vaccine is recommended for infants and young people 6 months to 19 years old; people caring for infants up to 6 months old; pregnant women, people 50 and older, people with chronic disease, health care workers and others who want to reduce their risk of getting sick.

Is vaccine the only option?

No, it’s the most reliable option. But the CDC recommends these common-sense approaches:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Throw out dirty tissues immediately.

• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing. Alcohol hand sanitizers are effective.

• Keep hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

• If you’re sick with flulike illness, keep away from others to keep from making them sick.

• Avoid close contact with sick people, if possible.

A washable keyboard and mice are another great way to help protect yourself from the flu. Cleanable keyboards from WETKEYS, can be easily sanitized and cleaned with virtually and cleaning solution, or even just soap and water. Keeping your washable keyboard clean can really help strengthen your hand-washing efforts.

Some helpful tips for staying healthy this flu season are:

• Wash your hands often
• Carry hand sanitizer with you at all times
• Regularly disinfect surfaces
• Avoid contact with people who are infected with the flu
• Get vaccinated
• Purchase a washable keyboard and keep it clean

 These are just a few tips to help you remain healthy. The CDC is reporting that this flu season is potentially devestating. Protect your parents and children from typical influenza and Swine Flu. Go to Wetkeys.com today for more healthy tips! At Wetkeys, you can purchase sanitary keyboards that are heavy duty keyboards and waterproof keyboards that are easily kept clean.

H1N1 Brings Early Flu Season to

 Colleges, Public Schools

Thursday, September 17, 2009
By Marrecca Fiore

Public schools and colleges are seeing an early and robust flu season thanks to the H1N1 virus, although some are scratching their heads as to why it’s not as widespread as health officials predicted it would be.

And so far, it appears to be far less deadly than its well-known cousin, the seasonal flu that comes every fall and winter and kills tens of thousands of people in America every year.

“There’s no doubt the flu has gotten off to a fast and early start,” said Tom Skinner, spokesman for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “It is very unusual to see the amount of cases we’re seeing this time of year. It’s a long season and some campuses are being hit hard.”

Dozens of public schools across the country have reported both confirmed and suspected cases of H1N1. A Houston-area charter school with 200 students closed Wednesday to “disinfect” after a student tested positive for the virus. A high school in Kentucky canceled its Friday night football game on Wednesday after a player was confirmed to have the virus and several other players exhibited flu-like symptoms.

Meanwhile, colleges and universities across the country are reporting thousands of suspected swine flu cases.

Two weeks ago, a 22-year-old student from the University of Nebraska-Omaha died from suspected H1N1 just before starting classes there.

Still, only 600 Americans have died from the new H1N1 virus, a low number when compared to the 30,000 to 40,000 people who die annually from seasonal flu. Skinner said that could be due to whom H1N1 is targeting.

The very young, very old and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of contracting and dying from the seasonal flu. But a different group is most susceptible to the H1N1 virus.

“H1n1 is hitting a larger population of teenagers and young adults, people with robust immune systems, so we might not see the number of hospitalizations and deaths that we see with the seasonal flu,” Skinner said. “That’s kind of how things are shaping up early on, but it’s still too early to draw any definitive conclusions on how it will ultimately affect people.”

Colleges See Early Flu Outbreak

The American College Health Association reported that as of this past Monday, 83 percent of the 253 colleges and universities that the organization tracks reported influenza-like illnesses, up from 72 percent the week before. The organization tracked a total of 6,432 cases and 16 hospitalizations over the past week, according to its Web site.

The nationwide attack rate last week was 21.5 cases per 10,000 college students, 20 percent higher than week before. The most cases were reported in the Northwest, with considerable activity also occurring in the Southeast, according to the college health association.

Skinner said the flu’s unpredictability is one reason why H1N1 is hitting some regions harder than others.

“There’s no rhyme or reason as to how it spreads and when it hits a particular region,” he said. “Last week, we, in Georgia, saw a lot of activity at colleges with some areas being hit harder than others.”

Although some regions have yet to see upswing in flu cases, Skinner warned people not to become complacent.

“Even if an area is not being hit hard now, our message continues to be that we want to make sure that those in high-risk groups get vaccinated,” he said.

________________________________________________________________

Well, there is no doubt that flu season is upon us. Do all you can for you and your family’s health and invest in a washable keyboard and mouse from Wetkeys.com. These items are sanitary and heavy duty, low-cost and high-quality. Typical keyboards harbor disease-causing germs and bacteria, but with Wetkeys keyboards, there is nowhere for them to hide!  

Let Wetkeys.com help you with fundraising. At Wetkeys, we have healthy technological gadgets that are a great fundraising ideas, especially in light of the upcoming flu season.

The Center for Disease Control and  Prevention, World Health Organization, and CNN reporting on the threat of Swine Flu and typical flu, it’s a great ideas to use washable keyboards and mice as fundraisers. Our products are low-cost, high-quality heavy duty keyboards, water proof keyboards and sanitary keyboards. Check us out at Wetkeys.com!  

According to the CDC:

Flu activity is increasing in most of the United States with nearly half of all states reporting widespread influenza activity. So far, most flu is 2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes called “swine flu”). CDC expects both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to cause illness, hospital stays and deaths this season. CDC has recommendations on who should get vaccinated against seasonal flu and
2009 H1N1 flu.

As an extra precaution it’s a great idea to purchase items that will help reduce the chances of germ-spreading. One idea is to purchase washable keyboards and other technical equipment from Wetkeys.com. This way, you can keep what was once a breeding ground for germs, a sanitary area.   

Fundraising time is here and so is flu season. With the threat of Swine flu being reported on CNN and from the CDC and WHO, it sounds like it’s going to be a heck of season.

Why not make the most of this time by fundraising with Wetkeys.com, where you can purchase sanitary keyboards and other durable, cleanable electronic gadgets. These are washable keyboards that easily remain germ free, supporting a healthier environment for families.

By Fred Cicetti

September 17, 2009
Flu season in the northern hemisphere can range from as early as November to as late as May. The peak month usually is February.

However, this coming season is expected to be unpredictable because of the emergence of the H1N1 influenza virus or swine flu. The H1N1 has caused the first global outbreak—pandemic—of influenza in more than four decades.

There is concern that the 2009 H1N1 virus may make the season worse than a regular flu season. It is feared that there will be many more hospitalizations and fatalities this season. The 2009 H1N1 virus caused illness in the U.S. during the summer months when influenza is very uncommon.

The 2009-10 flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. The seasonal vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus. A vaccine for 2009 H1N1 is being produced and may be ready for the public in the fall.

The 2009-10 vaccine can be administered anytime during flu season. However, the best time to get inoculated is between October and November. The protection provided by the vaccine lasts about a year. Adults over 50 are prime candidates for the vaccine because the flu can be fatal for people in this age group.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 20 percent of the population gets the flu each year.

The CDC reports vaccination rates are better for those over 65. About 7 in 10 seniors get their flu shots. You can get the flu vaccine from your doctor, at public health centers, senior centers, pharmacies and supermarkets.

For more than four decades, the flu vaccine has been strongly recommended for older people, but now some scientists say the vaccine probably doesn’t work well for those over 70. About 75 percent of flu deaths happen to people in this age group.

Flu is a contagious illness of the respiratory system caused by the influenza virus. Flu can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, ear problems and dehydration.

Droplets from coughing and sneezing spread the flu. An adult with flu can infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. Children may spread flu for more than seven days.

The best way to combat the bug is to get the flu vaccine. You have to get inoculated annually because new vaccines are prepared every year to combat new versions of the virus. When you battle the flu, you develop antibodies to the invading virus, but those antibodies don’t work on new strains. The vaccine does not prevent flu in all people; it works better in younger recipients than older ones.

Contrary to rumor, you can’t catch the flu from the vaccine. The flu vaccine is not made from a live virus.

The recovery time for the flu is about one to two weeks. However, in seniors, weakness may persist for a longer time.

The common scenario for flu is a sudden onset of symptoms, which include chills, fatigue, fever, cough, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches and appetite loss.

While nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can be related to the flu, these are rarely the primary flu symptoms. The flu is not a stomach or intestinal disease. The term stomach flu is inaccurate.

When symptoms strike, get to a doctor as soon as possible; the faster the better. There are prescription antiviral drugs to treat flu. Over-the-counter medicines can help relieve symptoms of the flu. You should also drink liquids to prevent dehydration, and sleep to bolster your immune system.

 _______________________________________________________________                                                       

Along with this important information on staying healthy during this flu season, buy you and your family washable keyboards. These heavy duty keyboards are ideal for keeping a clean home, espeically with kids around. These are waterproof keyboards, sanitary keyboards, and silicon keyboards. Get yours at Wetkeys.com today!

Who would have thought you could pair fund raising with the upcoming flu season? Well, you can! With flu season coming, washable keyboards and other sanitary, durable computer products are available from Wetkeys.com.

Wetkeys.com also has some amazing fund raising ideas and have already had great success! Check out their website today and start raising funds!

With all the news reports of H1N1 headed our way this flu season from CNN, Bloomberg, and the World Health Organization, it’s incredibly important to do all we can to protect ourselves and those we care about; especially the elderly and children.

Wetkeys.com helps you do this with their low cost, high quality washable computer keyboards and other equipment. They got your health at the forefront of their minds. These are heavy duty keyboards that are silicon keyboards and washable keyboards. A great addition to the health of your loved ones.