Vicks® Reminds Americans to Be Prepared as Flu Strikes Again in Northeast

With IMS Health FAN (Flu Activation Network) data showing that the flu is striking again in the Northeast, Vicks® is encouraging people to be prepared and take precautions. The current activity, measured in the number of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) incidents for the week ending Saturday, April 19, shows a spike in both the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions. In New England, there were 84,376 reported cases, which is 67% more than the same week last year. In the Mid-Atlantic, there were 383,588 reported cases – a 225.4% increase from the same week last year.

While many may think flu season disappears with the arrival of spring, it is not uncommon for the flu to be prevalent as late as May. That’s why it’s important to stock your medicine cabinets with multi-symptom relief medications – such as NEW Vicks DayQuil Severe and NyQuil Severe – designed to fight your worst cold and flu symptoms.

“We are not surprised to see a resurgence of flu this late in the season; it has certainly happened before,” said Dave Tomasi, Marketing Director for North America Vicks. “Vicks products are available on the shelf throughout the year so consumers can always rely on a multi-symptom relief medication, such as NyQuil Severe and DayQuil Severe, to treat their horrible flu symptoms and help them on their way to recovery.”

As an iconic family of brands that has helped consumers power through their colds and flus for decades, Vicks understands that people simply can’t be down when they have a cold or flu.

To help people power through the worst flu symptoms during the day, Vicks DayQuil Severe relieves aches, fever, sore throat, nasal/sinus congestion & pressure, cough, and chest congestion.

And for nighttime use, Vicks NyQuil Severe will relieve aches, fever, sore throat, nasal/sinus congestion & pressure, sneezing, running nose, and cough so you can rest.

There are many steps consumers can take to prevent the onset of the flu this spring, including hand washing and avoiding close contact with sick people. For more tips on how to prevent the flu or more information about Vicks DayQuil Severe or NyQuil Severe, be sure to visit www.vicks.com.

About Vicks
One of the most recognized brands around the world. Available in more than 71 countries and on 5 continents, Vicks has helped relieve cough, cold, and flu symptoms for generations. In the US the Vicks family includes, NyQuil®, the #1 pharmacist recommended brand for Adult Nighttime Cold & Flu Relief, NyQuil® Severe, NyQuil® Sinex®, Children’s NyQuil®, DayQuil® Cold/Flu, DayQuil® Severe, DayQuil® Cough, DayQuil® Sinex®, VapoRub® Ointment, VapoRub® Cream, BabyRub, Sinex® 12 Hour Spray, Sinex® Ultra Fine Mist, Sinex® 12 Hour Ultra Fine Mist Moisturizing, Vicks® VapoDrops®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, Vicks is owned and distributed by Procter & Gamble.

About Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG)
P&G serves approximately 4.8 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella® and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.