FT. WASHINGTON, PA, November 18, 2013 – Sniffles, fevers, coughs and sneezes are common this time of year, leaving many moms concerned about keeping their children on the road to good health. According to an online study conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the makers of TYLENOL® and Parents magazine, 70 percent of moms with young children[1] are more worried about their child’s health during cold and flu season than any other time of year, and 6 out of 10 of these moms (61%) said they wish they knew more about how children catch colds and the flu. To help cure what’s ailing moms, TYLENOL® and Parents magazine have identified what most parents are looking for to help bring them peace of mind and restore health at home.
“When asked, these moms told us that when their child’s smile fades, that’s one of the first signs that they’re not feeling well, and moms would go to some surprising lengths to bring that smile back,” said Dana Points, Editor-in-Chief of Parents magazine, which partnered with TYLENOL® on the survey. “This poll allowed us to understand where the information gaps exist so we can help moms breathe a little easier during the cold and flu season.”
To help meet moms’ needs, TYLENOL® - a brand relied on by moms for more than 50 years - has enlisted pediatrician and best-selling author, Dr. Tanya Altmann, to offer advice on keeping the whole family healthy and happy this cold and flu season as part of the SMILING IT FORWARD™ campaign. The initiative launched earlier this year to help children in need across the country gain access to healthcare. Here are some of Dr. Tanya’s myth-busting cold and flu tips to help parents through the season:
- Does cold weather make you sick? 32 percent of moms believe that being out in the cold weather can cause a child to catch a cold, however studies show that people who are chilled are no more likely to get sick than those who are not. Rather, the cold weather keeps people indoors where germs are more likely to spread. When inside, Dr. Tanya recommends disinfecting the places where germs linger most – like door knobs, sink handles, phones and light switches.
- Will the flu shot cause the flu? Despite what doctors’ say, more than 2 in 5 moms (43%) believe that a child can get the flu from a flu shot. According to Dr. Tanya, vaccination is the number one way to protect your family from the flu, though everyone should talk to their pediatrician first. Dr. Tanya recommends vaccinating everyone in the house who is age six months and older.
- Should I panic at the first sign of a fever? Fevers can cause a lot of worry for mom. In fact, nearly two-thirds of moms (65%) are extremely concerned when their child has a high fever. It’s important to remember that young children have fevers quite often – most of which can be relieved at home. To ease your child’s discomfort, Dr. Tanya recommends having an effective fever-reducer, like pediatric TYLENOL®, on hand for your children. She always suggests calling your pediatrician first, however, especially if your baby is under 3 months of age and has a temperature of 100.4 or higher.
- My tot can’t blow his/her own nose and is miserable – help! 73 percent of moms attribute a runny nose to the start of a cold or the flu. If a baby’s nose is stuffy, Dr. Tanya suggests trying to relieve the congestion with a drop or two of nasal saline in each nostril. If the stuffiness is keeping your little one from sleeping or eating, try gentle suctioning too as this will help remove mucus from your child’s nose. You can also run a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer at night to alleviate the congestion.
- What is really the best way to keep germs away? Even though 96 percent of moms know that keeping a child’s hands clean is one of the best methods for cold and flu prevention, it’s often times one of the easiest steps to forget. According to Dr. Tanya, washing your child’s hands remains the “tried and true” way to help keep germs at bay. Wash your little one’s hands when you come in from outside, before eating and after using the bathroom. Make it fun by singing a song, using a yummy-smelling soap, or drying their hands with a favorite fluffy towel. And, don’t forget to wash your own hands too!
- What about me? What should I do when I get sick and have to care for the family? According to Dr. Tanya, if you start to come down with a cold or fever, make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. With 92 percent of moms believing that a children’s fever-reducer medicine is essential to have on hand when their child has a fever, cold or flu, consider adult TYLENOL® cold products to help alleviate your own symptoms and get you back to feeling better again!
“As a pediatrician and mom of two young boys, I know all too well that runny noses, coughs and mild fevers are inevitable, but can cause a significant amount of stress,” said Dr. Altmann. “Fortunately, in many cases, there are steps that moms can take to bring that much anticipated “feel better” smile back again.”
To give moms instant access to a slew of Dr. Tanya’s tips for the season, the makers of TYLENOL® have created an infographic and posted additional information on SmilingItForward.com. Dedicated to the health of families across the country, TYLENOL® has started the SMILING IT FORWARD™ movement to help bring children in need the healthcare they deserve through support of Children’s Health Fund. Now through January, by simply sharing a photo that makes you smile at SmilingItForward.com, TYLENOL® will make a $1 donation to the organization, up to $100,000.[2]
About Infants’ TYLENOL®
When it comes to reducing fevers and relieving pain in infants, Infants’ TYLENOL® is the brand recommended most by pediatricians and has been used by moms for over 20 years. Infants’ TYLENOL® relieves minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, headache, sore throat and toothache. Infants’ TYLENOL® also temporarily reduces fever. For more information and a full list of TYLENOL® products, please visit www.Tylenol.com.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare
McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. markets a broad range of well-known and trusted over-the-counter (OTC) products. McNeil Consumer Healthcare is most widely recognized for the TYLENOL® brand. Other McNeil Consumer Healthcare brands include BENADRYL®, ZYRTEC® and ZYRTEC®-D allergy medicines; IMODIUM® A-D anti-diarrheal; MOTRIN® IB; and SUDAFED® and SUDAFED PE® nasal decongestants.
Children’s Health Fund
Founded in 1987 by singer/songwriter Paul Simon and pediatrician/advocate Irwin Redlener, M.S., Children’s Health Fund is the nation’s leading pediatric provider of mobile-based healthcare for homeless and low-income children and their families. Children’s Health Fund currently has a fleet of 50 mobile medical clinics serving hundreds of locations across the country, including schools, community shelters and homeless shelters. Over more than 25 years, the organization has provided three million healthcare visits to disadvantaged children, often in places where doctors and healthcare providers are in short supply. For more information about Children’s Health Fund, visit www.ChildrensHealthFund.org.
Harris Interactive Survey Method
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the makers of TYLENOL® and Parents magazine between May 22 and June 3, 2013 among 300 moms, age 18+, with children who are 0-3 years old, can smile at things they find amusing, and have recovered from an illness such as a cold or the flu. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Holly Derrick (hderrick@its.jnj.com; 215.273.7923).
About Parents
Parents was founded in 1926 and, along with American Baby, FamilyFun, and Ser Padres, makes up The Meredith Parents Network portfolio of parenthood brands. Parents is the leading voice for a community of more than 15 million moms who are engaged and inspired by the brand’s trusted content. In turn, these moms enlighten and inspire others by joining ongoing conversations about parenthood via Parents.com as well through Parents’ robust presence on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr. Parents is dedicated to engaging and inspiring moms with the information they need, wherever they go.
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[1] Online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the makers of TYLENOL® between May 22 and June 3, 2013 among 300 U.S. moms, age 18+, with children who are 0-3 years old, can smile at things they find amusing, and have recovered from an illness such as a cold or the flu.
[2] Between September 17, 2013 and January 31, 2014, McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., the makers of TYLENOL®, is inviting anyone 18 and older to share a photo that makes them smile on SmilingItForward.com. Each photo approved & shared will trigger a $1.00 donation from TYLENOL® to Children’s Health Fund, with a minimum donation of $75,000 and a maximum donation of $100,000. Review Terms and Conditions for complete program details. For information about Children’s Health Fund, visit www.childrenshealthfund.org.
Media Contact:
Holly Derrick
McNeil Consumer Healthcare
hderrick@its.jnj.com
215.273.7923