The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has advised Clorox that disinfectants effective against Influenza A are also effective against 2009 H1N1 flu virus (swine flu). This means that these hard surface disinfectant products can help prevent the spread of the germs that cause H1N1 flu. Clorox products you can turn to are:

–Clorox® Regular-Bleach*

— Clorox® Clean-Up® Cleaner with Bleach spray cleaner*

— Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes*

The Clorox Company is working closely with public health organizations to support efforts to educate people about protecting themselves from H1N1 flu.

For more information on how to disinfect surfaces at home and in public places, visit www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/panfacts.html. To read the U.S. EPA’s announcement on disinfectant products effective against H1N1 flu virus, visit the U.S. EPA’s website at: www.epa.gov/oppad001/influenza-disinfectants.html.

What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to spread in the same way as the seasonal flu virus. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes a person may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What can you do to help protect yourself?

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your elbow.

2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

4. Use disinfectants on frequently touched surfaces. Germs can also be spread when a person touches an infected surface and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose.

Additional Information:

CDC Swine Flu: www.cdc.gov/swineflu

WHO Swine Flu FAQs: www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/faq/en/index.html

*US EPA Registration Numbers: Clorox® Regular-Bleach – 5813-50, Clorox® Clean-Up® Cleaner with Bleach spray cleaner – 5813-21, Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes – 5813-58

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization; websites www.cdc.gov, www.who.int