COVID-19

As many as 95% of consumers indicated that they or someone in their households have suffered from cold, flu or allergies in the past 12 months, according to an online survey of more than 500 AccentHealth viewers conducted in August. The overwhelming majority of those sufferers sought treatment of the ailment or its symptoms (99%) — mainly in the form of over-the-counter therapies (91%). To see more Patient Views, click here

AKRON, Ohio — TripAdvisor on Wednesday named Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer "best hand sanitizer" as part of the travel site's second annual Travelers' Choice Awards for Travel Favorites.  

The awards honor top brands travelers across select global markets prefer to use on their trips. In the U.S., there were 21 winners in categories ranging from cameras to sunscreen and carry-on luggage. Winners also were announced in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain and Russia.

WASHINGTON — The American Cleaning Institute, in conjunction with Echo Research, conducted a survey of 1,777 Americans and found most respondents are spending less on cleaning products due to economic factors.

As spring approaches, people with allergies can blame global warming for some of their suffering, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Weather conditions have a significant effect on the levels of pollen and mold in the air, which affects the severity of allergies.

That suggests mold allergens could be particularly prominent this spring given the extent of drought across the United States — dry and hot weather lifts molds from the soil to be carried by the air. In addition to tree pollen, springtime mold contributes to hay fever.

NEW YORK — "Who are you?" That question probably won't be necessary as the famous frontman of British Invasion band The Who takes the stage at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' Total Store Expo in August.

The NACDS said it had hired Roger Daltrey to perform at the show, which takes place in Las Vegas from Aug. 10-13 and combines the group's Pharmacy and Technology, Marketplace and Supply Chain and Logistics shows. Daltrey will perform on Aug. 12.

ROSWELL, Ga. — Kimberly-Clark on Friday announced its continued increase in production of face masks and other personal protective equipment products in response to increased customer demand from acute care facilities across the country.

LEBANON, Pa.  — Ever since H1N1, prevention has been a strong theme resonating through each cough-cold season. And now that there's a strong flu season driving traffic, retailers like CVS/pharmacy here are strategically placing end-caps, such as this Lysol display, leading into the cough-cold sets. Tissues and even hand sanitizers had always been good ancillary categories that enjoyed a lift during cold and flu season. Now disinfectant cleaners are a good category to benefit from those sniffles and sneezes too.

LONDON — Lingering fears of pandemic flu in the United States and a spike in flu activity will help to keep vaccination levels high, according to a new report.

GlobalData, a British market research firm, released a report Monday showing that seasonal influenza vaccine demand will increase from 2012's estimated 142 million to 158 million in 2022.