New Survey: Americans Cite Fever and Lack of Sleep as Top Reasons for Calling in Sick, While Majority Opt to Power Through Cold and Flu

Americans are juggling increasing amounts of responsibility at home, at work and on the social front, so as a result, a large percentage report opting to power through cold or flu symptoms instead of taking an official sick day. Now, a new survey found that the biggest drivers for leaving the house while under the weather is not work pressure alone. The Puffs & Vicks Cold & Flu Survey found that 83 percent of Americans admit to leaving the house while sick with a cold or flu, with 50 percent doing so for family obligations. Spending time with family, whether that means attending grandma’s 80th birthday party or a first grade recital, is of top importance for Americans.

While spending time with family reigns supreme on the priority list, Vicks, the maker of DayQuil SEVERE and NyQuil SEVERE, wants to help ensure that the cold and flu doesn’t interfere. Recently, the brand partnered with Puffs to survey 1,001 Americans to find out the most common habits to weathering a cold or flu:

1. Check the thermometer: 66% of working Americans said a fever is the deciding factor in taking an official sick day from work

2. Baby comes first: over a quarter of working Americans (30%) said they would take an official sick day if their child was sick

3. Musical beds: nearly 9 in 10 Americans (86%) would move to another bed if their significant other were sick with the cold or flu rather than require their partner to bed hop

4. Pucker up: over half of Americans (66%) would be likely to avoid kissing their significant other if they were sick

5. Seek relief: more than half of Americans (69%) report taking an over-the-counter, multi-symptom reliever to power through their day at home and at work

“Our research shows that people continue to prioritize family and career obligations above themselves. While taking time to recuperate is always best, unfortunately, it’s not always an option as our list of commitments continues to expand,” said Dave Tomasi, Vicks North American Marketing Director. “Vicks continues to offer trusted solutions, like DayQuil SEVERE and NyQuil SEVERE, so today’s multi-taskers can power through symptoms and get back to the people and plans that matter most.”

Try some of these tips to avoid catching the cold and flu this season.

1. Stay warm, well and rested: If you have a cold and are not feeling your best, make rest a priority. Keep NyQuil SEVERE at an arm’s reach so you can calm your cough and get the sleep you need.

2. Prepare your body for air travel: Many people travel over the winter holidays but flying may be extra uncomfortable when you’re sick. The air pressure from the plane may affect your cold symptoms so don’t forget to pack a decongestant or cold medication, like DayQuil SEVERE or NyQuil SEVERE, in your suitcase.

3. Drink more water than you think you need: Drinking multiple glasses of water per day may help prevent viruses and bacteria from latching on to your body once you’re exposed to them. Mucus can help block germs out of your body. If you don’t hydrate often, the mucus dries up and doesn't work as it should.

4. Prevent scaly, dry hands: It’s important to wash your hands to kill germs, but sometimes it takes a toll on delicate skin. Try wipe-off, soap-free cleansers and alcohol-free hand sanitizers—they tend to be less drying than traditional soap and water.

5. Get (and keep) moving: Staying active is a great way to avoid the cold and flu. Try fun physical activities like ice skating or go for a brisk walk. Regular exercise offers multiple benefits, like boosting your immune system, managing weight and taking care of your body.

6. Disinfect everything: It’s imperative that women clean makeup tools with cleaner, especially their lipsticks or lip balm. Disinfect your cell phones with a sanitizing wipe—remember that you’re constantly touching it and putting it to your face.

Fighting Flu with Vicks DayQuil SEVERE and NyQuil SEVERE

For decades, consumers have trusted the iconic family of Vicks brands to help them power through their worst cold and flu symptoms. For extra relief, Vicks DayQuil SEVERE and NyQuil SEVERE provide maximum strength, multi-symptom relief to help consumers feel like themselves again.

• Vicks DayQuil SEVERE relieves aches, fever, sore throat, nasal/sinus congestion and pressure, cough and chest congestion that allows you to power through your day
• Vicks NyQuil SEVERE relieves aches, fever, sore throat, nasal/sinus congestion and pressure, sneezing, running nose and cough so you can rest through the night

For more information about Vicks DayQuil SEVERE and NyQuil SEVERE, and ways to feel better this season visit Vicks.com or Facebook.com/NyQuil.DayQuil and follow the brand at @NyQuilDayQuil.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

The Puffs & Vicks Cold & Flu Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,001 U.S. adults ages 18+ between November 16th and November 18th 2015, using email invitation and an online survey. Quotas have been set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. adult population.

ABOUT VICKS

Vicks®, the world’s #1 selling cough and cold brand*, offers a portfolio of trusted products that are used by millions of people in more than 70 countries around the world. The Vicks family includes: Vicks VapoRub™ Ointment, NyQuil™, DayQuil™ and Vicks® VapoDrops™. As one of the most globally recognized brands, Vicks is proud to have helped relieve cough, cold, and flu symptoms for generations. Headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, Vicks is owned and distributed by Procter & Gamble.

About Procter & Gamble

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

*Sources: 1. Euromonitor International Ltd. Based on 2013 retail value sales of Cough Remedies, Decongestants, Pharyngeal Preparations, Combination Products and Pediatric Cough and Cold Remedies. 2. Nicholas Hall's OTC Yearbook DB6 2014.

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