(by 3 people)
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. 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?
Tootbrush Sanitizers
Because germs love to live there!!
VIOlight Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer
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.
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VIOlight VS100 Toothbrush Sanitizer and Storage System
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.
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UV Toothbrush Sanitizer
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.
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Oraltec Toothbrush Sterilizer
Uses tap water heated to sterilizing temperature of up to 212 degrees F.
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Philips Sonicare UV Sanitizer
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.
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Air Purifiers
GP Silent Air Purifier
Sharper Image GP model features a built-in Philips Germicidal UV-C Sterilamp. Silent air circulation; effective removal of airborne contaminants; reduction of common household odors; no filters to replace; low energy cost; attractive design; ease of operation; low maintenance; and 24/7 air cleaning.
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Henry Air Purifier
Finally -- a high-tech air purifier that doesn't look like an air purifier. Slim, unobtrusive unit brings style to your home or office while also delivering six-stage purification shown below. Virtually silent, and ozone-free.
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Germ Guardian UV-C Air Sanitizer
Takes in airborne bacteria, virus, and germ microbes and destroys them without the use of filters.
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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: $68.69 (as of 08/21/2008)
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 08/21/2008)
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: $203.19 (as of 08/21/2008)
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 08/21/2008)
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
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).
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Sharper Image Soap Dispenser
Reach under the srout and the no-touch infrared sensor will activate SOAP GENIE's dispenser as it plays a charming musical chime. Makes it fun for kids to wash their hands! No-drip innovation eliminates both waste and mess. Holds 24 oz. of soap, sunscreen, moisturizer or sanitizer.
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Sensor Soap Pump
Sleek design sure to fit with your modern style.
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Don't Touch It
Touch-Free Faucet Adaptor
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.
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City Mitts
Use a special fabric embedded with silver ions so germs and bacteria can't grow on it. Wear them to keep from direct contact with grocery cart handles, escalator hand rails or subway poles. No worries with putting them in your pocket because the germs can't come with!
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The Handler
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.
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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
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.
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Nano UV Disinfection Scanner
Smaller version of the Nano scaner. 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.
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Germ Guardian Nursery Sanitizer
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
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $179.00 (as of 08/21/2008)
Germ Guardian LW18 UV-C Light Wand
Digital Timer w/auto shut off. Safe - produces no ozone
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 08/21/2008)
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.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 08/21/2008)
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: $79.49 (as of 08/21/2008)
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: $10.16 (as of 08/21/2008)
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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Around 36,000 Americans die from the flu each year.
