Study Asks If Americans Are Doing Enough to Prevent Cold & Flu

Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than the air outdoors, since microscopic particles that can irritate the lung are often produced and accumulated indoors -- especially the dust-mite and pets come to mind. Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors breathing in more or less harmful pollutants, and this can be an even bigger issue during winter, adding to the susceptibility of catching a cold or the flu.

From flu shots to hand sanitizer and even face masks, many go to great strides to stay healthy this time of year. In an effort to get an overview what's 'in' and what's 'out' this cold and flu season, the company Fellowes surveyed American adults to learn more about their habits and beliefs and published the results in the Fellowes 2014 Cold and Flu Report, cited here:

Nearly half (56 percent) of Americans are concerned about getting sick and suspect that germs are around them in these places:

• Thirty-nine percent believe that a majority of germs can be found in the air of their homes
• Thirty-four percent believe they are most susceptible to germs in public shopping centers
• A quarter believe they are most susceptible to germs at work or school

Some take extreme measures. Many aren't afraid to pull out all the stops when it comes to keeping themselves, and their families, healthy.

• More than a quarter (26%) of adults avoid hand contact altogether
• Twenty percent have confined a sick family member to one room
• Seventeen percent avoid all social engagements and extracurricular activities
• Eight percent even where a face mask

While not everyone's methods are as extreme, many Americans take extra precaution to keep themselves safe during cold and flu season.

• More than half (60%) wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Forty percent clean surfaces in the home using a disinfectant
• Thirty-eight percent get a flu shot
• Eighteen percent visit the doctor's office
• Thirteen percent use an air purifier to help remove germs from their home

The last point is a proven way to lower both the amount of germs and other pollutants such as allergens, mold and smoke that we inhale daily.

The company sponsoring this study, Fellowes, Inc., is making such air purifiers, called AeraMax. True HEPA filters safely eliminate 99.97% of airborne particles, as small as 0.3 microns, including viruses, germs, dust, mold, pollen, ragweed, pet dander and cigarette smoke. Providing state-of-the-art technology and a sleek design, AeraMax devices like the 200 model include features like ultra quiet operation and a sensor which monitors the air quality and automatically adjusts the fan speed. They are certified allergy and asthma friendly by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).