Ahh . . . ahh . . chooo!!
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?
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.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009) 
List Price: $179.00
Germ Guardian GG-1000 UV-C Air Sanitizer
Great for small spaces, like bathrooms and bedrooms.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/22/2009)
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
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $212.62 (as of 12/22/2009)
List Price: $299.99
Germ Guardian PS-100 Personal Air Purifier
Force away allergens and pollutants by emitting healthy negative ions. Weighs 6 oz.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
List Price: $39.99
75% of the public fail to wash their hands after using the toilet!
Wash Your Hands!
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 Adapter - $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).
Click here to order
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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Amazon Price: $179.00 (as of 12/22/2009)
Germ Guardian LW18 UV-C Light Wand
Digital Timer w/auto shut off. Safe - produces no ozone
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Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/22/2009)
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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Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
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: $79.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
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 12/22/2009)
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!!)-
GIANTmicrobes: Cute or Disturbing Toys?
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GIANTmicrobes: Cute or Disturbing Toys? Who in the world thought that deadly microbes that make up illnesses and viruses such as malaria or chicken pox would make good plushies? Whoever came up with Giant Microbes was a genius. They make good gifts f...
Around 36,000 Americans die from the flu each year.
Got some flu tips to share?
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Reply
- Themiscorkscrew Themiscorkscrew Oct 26, 2009 @ 8:15 pm
- I got the flu shot but I have all those symptoms so not sure what that means I guess what I can share is that the flu shot is probably not all its cracked up to be. By the way this is a nice lens it was exactly what i needed to hear
All My Lenses
Like this lens? Want to see what else I've done? Here's my lensography.-
SusanVillasLewis
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Well, probably for my mom and my husband. But I guess the rest of you won't love me just for existing. So here's more about me, links to my various lenses, thoughts on future lenses and just the general randomness that is Susan. This will forever be...
by SusanVillasLewis
Basic gal from the Dallas area who has a lot to say!! I'm working on lens related to my odd-ball interests, as well as some tying back to my husband'...
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