Technology killed the flu bug (and other nasties too!)

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Ahh . . . ahh . . chooo!!

Feeling chilled? Running a fever? Achy all over? Yep, sounds like you are among the five to 20 percent of Americans who got hit by the flu (regular, swine or any kind!). It's a common occurrence during the winter months. We're inside more, in closer proximity to other people. All it takes is one person to be sick and a chain reaction starts.

You're trying all you can - washing your hands, trying to not touch your face, not grabbing the stair rail unless you have to. But the flu bug is a tricky one and can be found all kinds of places. So short of locking yourself in your house, what can you do to keep from getting the flu?

This is where science is actually helping out. A bunch of new products using UV ray technologies and silver ions are killing bacteria, germs and viruses in the places you're most unable to avoid them. They help in the battle against common illnesses transferred on the surfaces we touch. Check them out!!

The germs that cause influenza are spread up to three feet when someone who has the flu coughs or sneezes.

Why UV technology? 

It is proven that all viruses are susceptible to germicidal UV and require relatively low UV dosages for complete eradication. The influenza virus needs a dose of 6,600µW/cm²UV for 100% kill. The bird flu virus is similar to the regular flu virus. This means that a UV dose of approximately 10,000µW/cm²will effectively eradicate the virus.

Tootbrush Sanitizers 

Because germs love to live there!!


VIOlight Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer - $29.99
Sanitizes a single toothbrush in less than 10 minutes.This compact device from VIOlight uses proven germicidal UV technology to eliminate up to 99% of germs.

VIOlight VS100 Toothbrush Sanitizer and Storage System - $49.99
Holds 4 toothbrushes, including children's and electric toothbrush heads. Translucent safety cap lets you see the glow so you know it's working. Easy, one-button activation with auto shut off in just 10 minutes.


UV Toothbrush Sanitizer - $39.99
Cleans up to four toothbrushes, including electric brush-heads. Powered by two AA standard or rechargeable batteries (not included). 7"H x 4"W x 4"D.


Oraltec Toothbrush Sterilizer - $79.99
Uses tap water heated to sterilizing temperature of up to 212 degrees F.


Philips Sonicare UV Sanitizer - $39.99
Cleans and offers a storing solution to help ensure you are maximizing your oral hygiene regimen. Once activated, your Sonicare toothbrush goes through a 10 minute cycle to kill up to 99 percent of bacteria off your brush head.

Air Purifiers 


Neoair Enviro Air Purifier - $199
The Neoair Enviro Air Purifier offers five different air cleaning technologies in one compact design to help you with your allergies or asthma. With a purification capacity of up to 450 sq ft, the Neoair Enviro features the same air filtration technology that is used in laboratories and clean rooms to assure you the cleanest indoor air you will ever breathe whether you are awake or asleep.

The Desktop Air Purifier - $89.95
Occupying as little desktop surface as a post card, this compact air purifier creates a personal clean air zone in your office, home, or hotel room. Its patented design houses an ionizer and a whisper-quiet 12-volt fan in a 6-1/4" square brushed aluminum dock that draws air through the turquoise HEPA filter, trapping dust, smoke, pollen, and other impurities without emitting ozone. The unit is smaller than a shoebox, allowing you to pack it easily in a briefcase or luggage for travel. The filter lasts up to six months. Plugs into AC. 13" H x 6-1/4" W x 4" D. (1 lb. 12 oz.)

Germ Guardian UV-C Air Sanitizer - $144.99
Takes in airborne bacteria, virus, and germ microbes and destroys them without the use of filters.

Surround Air XJ-2100UV-BS Air Purifier with UV

In a clinical test removed 99.5% of particles ina 128 cubic-foot chamber. Can be used in home or vehicle.

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List Price: $179.00

Germ Guardian GG-1000 UV-C Air Sanitizer

Great for small spaces, like bathrooms and bedrooms.

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Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $69.99

Honeywell HFD-135 Permanent IFD UV Antibacterial Air Purifier

Low maintenance; quiet, efficient performance; no expensive filters to replace
Measures approximately 14-1/4 by 15-1/2 by 19-1/3 inches

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List Price: $299.99

Germ Guardian PS-100 Personal Air Purifier

Force away allergens and pollutants by emitting healthy negative ions. Weighs 6 oz.

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Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $39.99

75% of the public fail to wash their hands after using the toilet!

Wash Your Hands! 

The germs that cause influenza are spread up to three feet when someone who has the flu coughs or sneezes. You can even spread flu germs when you speak. If you handle things the germs land on and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, the flu virus can easily enter your body. Wash your hands often to get rid of flu germs.

How to clean your hands:
  • Wet your hands and apply liquid, bar, or powder soap.

  • Rub hands together vigorously to make lather and scrub all surfaces. Continue for 20 seconds! Need a timer? Imagine singing "Happy Birthday" all the way through twice Rinse hands well under running water.

  • Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer.

  • If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.

  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based wipe or hand gel!

Touch-Free Soap Dispensers 


Touch-Free Soap Dispenser - $34.99
Just hold your hands at the level of the motion sensor, and the Sensor Dispenser will provide you with a user-adjustable amount of liquid soap to get your hands squeaky clean. The Sensor Dispenser is powered by 3 AAA batteries (sold separately).


Automatic Soap Pump Dispenser - $39.99
The Automatic Soap Pump Dispenser with Touch-Free IR Sensor detects when your hands are in front of it. Just hold your hands at the level of the IR sensor, and the dispenser will provide you with liquid soap needed to get your hands squeaky clean. The amount of soap it releases is adjustable depending on the type of soap or how much you want to use. Additionally, there is a blinking LED that will last for 20 seconds, the recommended time frame for scrubbing your hands until they are germ free. With a clear liquid soap housing and easy to remove lid, you'll know exactly when to add more soap.

EZ Stainless Steel Dispenser - $55.99
EZ Stainless Steel Dispenser
Get touch-free dispensing for a healthier home. To reduce contact with germs on frequently touched surfaces, such as soap dispensers, use this touch-free dispenser. It employs infrared sensor technology to deliver a precise amount of soap, shampoo or lotion every time. Sleek stainless steel coordinates with any decor and is easy to clean. Freestanding on counter or mounts on wall with the included holder. Runs on four AA batteries (not included). 8 1/2"H x 3 1/2"D x 5 1/2"D Holds up 16 oz.

Don't Touch It 


Touch-Free Faucet Adaptor - $49.99
Makes any existing bathroom and kitchen faucet completely hands free and automatic. It prevents cross-contamination of germs because you don't have to worry about having to turn off the faucet once you've washed your hands. Fits most sink faucets.


The Handler - $10.95
A push of a button deploys a strong but lightweight gripping arm made from zinc alloy and over-molded with hardened non-slip rubber. The handler is made with Nano Silvers that instantly kill the most common types of germs that can cause illnesses and infections.

Over 70% of all common illnesses (colds, flu, and intestinal illnesses) are transmitted through the surfaces we touch.

Surface Sanitizers and Disinfectors 


Nano Wand Scanner - $158.99
Uses Nano-UV light to destroy all kinds of microorganisms without toxins or side effects. They also reduce dust mite populations in mattresses, pillows and carpets at home or away. Nano UV Wand is 14" L (opens to 22") x 1 1/2"W x 1 1/2"D and includes a rechargeable battery and child safety lock.


Nano UV Disinfection Scanner - $79.99
Proven effective by independent testing laboratories, these devices use Nano-UV light to destroy all kinds of microorganisms without toxins or side effects. They also reduce dust mite populations in mattresses, pillows and carpets at home or away. Simply pass the scanner over any area for 10 seconds and you're done. Use it anywhere. Scanner is 3 3/4"H x 1 3/4"W x 1"D and includes two AAA batteries. Toothbrush Sanitizer free with the purchase of Nano-UV Disinfection Scanner- $15 value!

Germ Guardian Nursery Sanitizer - $99.99
Uses dry heat to kill germs in 30 minutes without chemicals or steam and is proven 99.9% effective against the germs that cause flu and colds, pneumonia, staph infections, ear ache diarrhea (E. coli and salmonella) and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
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Purelight UV Light Sterilization Ultraviolet Hand

Helps to eliminate bacteria, viruses, fungus, molds, etc on the surfaces of most household
Lightweight, convenient hand held design.
LED display lets you know when the device is operating

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Germ Guardian LW18 UV-C Light Wand

Digital Timer w/auto shut off. Safe - produces no ozone

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Violight Vio400 UV Wand

Works great for kitchen counters, comuter keyboards, telephone headsets, pillows, cell phones, bathroom surfaces, and much more around the home or office.
Gravity safety switch.

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Zadro Nano UV Disinfection Light

Approximately the same size as a compact cellular flip phone and disperses a UV-C light that provides a proven germicidal killing zone of 253.7 nanometers (nm)

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Amazon Price: $78.99 (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

The Book for Germaphobes 

The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu: Guerilla Tactics to Keep Yourself Healthy at Home, at Work and in the World

Amazon Price: $9.56 (as of 07/10/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $11.95
Used Price: $0.01

Freelance writer, editor and confessed "germ freak" Janse takes readers on a frequently funny tour through the germ-ridden underbellies of life - from health club showers to hotel suites - dishing the dirt, as it were, on what we're likely to "catch" where. Janse imparts some everyday useful information, such as the fact that loofah sponges breed deadly bacteria (bleach them weekly) and that pricey vegetable washes aren't as good as hot water and a scrub brush for removing pesticides.

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Maybe Some Of You Think Germs Are Cute 

I don't know about these, but maybe you will like them. I'm obviously too much of a germaphobe. Victoria certainly did, but she accepts that they might not be for everyone. Go participate in the debate. (Then come back here to buy some disinfectant!!)

Around 36,000 Americans die from the flu each year.