Cold And Flu Is A Concern For Travelers Heading Into The Thanksgiving And Holiday Season, According To Mucinex Survey

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey commissioned by Mucinex, the number one doctor-recommended cold and flu brand in America¹, reveals that 67 percent of Americans are concerned about becoming sick with cold or flu symptoms from others while traveling for the holidays. To help anxious travelers prepare for the journey to their Thanksgiving destinations, Mucinex has teamed up with expert travel deal site Airfarewatchdog to share the latest Thanksgiving and holiday travel data, as well as tips on how to travel this season.

With overall holiday travel predicted to rise by nine percent this year, according to Airfarewatchdog, one of travelers' biggest concerns is arriving to their Thanksgiving destination without coming down with a cold or the flu. Thanksgiving dinner is the number one holiday activity that people would have sick-related FOMO (fear of missing out) about — a concern shared by 59 percent of Americans*. After all, roughly 189 million Americans² (75 percent)* said they have seen passengers exhibiting cold or flu symptoms when traveling on public transportation in the past.

Airfarewatchdog anticipates this year's travel season to be busy for travelers across the country.  According to its consumer polls, Wednesday, November 21 is slated to be the most popular travel day for fliers during Thanksgiving weekend, followed by Tuesday, November 20**. In addition, the outlet warns fliers to prepare for more people at airports as the percentage of people who said they always fly for the holidays has increased 12 percent since 2017**.

"Thanksgiving not only marks the beginning of the busy travel season, but also the first major peak in cough, cold and flu incidences. People's sick antennae are on high alert, and they don't want to worry about how other travelers may get them sick and put a damper on their holiday celebrations," said Brian Dolan, Equity Lead for Mucinex. "This holiday, we want to reduce the spread of symptoms and encourage people to #GiveThanksNotCoughs. If people do come down with a cough, they can look to Mucinex for relief and keep their symptoms under control."

However, travelers are not just sweeping their concerns about cold and flu symptoms under the rug. In fact, 186 million Americans³ (74 percent)* said they would not make physical contact with family or friends who have a cold or the flu, even on special occasions, and 80 percent of Americans said they would take extra precautions, like washing their hands more often, to avoid getting a cold or the flu during the holidays*.

"We are just entering the thick of the busy holiday travel season, and it's vital for travelers to ensure they are taking care of themselves," said Amanda Norcross, travel expert for Airfarewatchdog. "Travelers should get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and not let the stress of packing and heading to the airport affect their well-being."

For Airfarewatchdog's Holiday Survival Guide 2018, please visit Airfarewatchdog.com. For more information on the entire Mucinex product portfolio, please visit Mucinex.com and join the Thanksgiving conversation by using #GiveThanksNotCoughs.

*Mucinex Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Mucinex from September 6-10, 2018 among 2,026 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. 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 and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Stephanie Duffy (sduffy@devriesglobal.com) at DeVries Global.

**Airfarewatchdog Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States with the Survey Gizmo platform from October 23-25, 2018 among 1,468 U.S. adults 18 and older. For more information on survey the methodology, contact PR@airfarewatchdog.com.

About Mucinex
Mucinex began in 2003 as a 12-hour, OTC chest congestion medication helping to break up mucus and relieve chest congestion. It has rapidly expanded to become the largest U.S. OTC product of any kind in annual unit sales+ – and the #1 Doctor-Recommended brand in America++ – offering medicine lines for chest congestion, cough, sinus and multi-symptom relief for adults and children. The purpose of the Mucinex brand is rooted in one idea: to relentlessly fight to end the misery of being sick. For more information visit mucinex.com.

About RB
RB is a global leading consumer health and hygiene company. Driven by a purpose of providing innovative solutions for healthier lives and happier homes, RB has operations in over 60 countries. From the foundations of wellness and infant nutrition, to the fundamentals of a hygienic home, its global brands help people live healthier, happier lives.

RB has world leading Powerbrands which include household names such as Enfamil, Nutramigen, Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Clearasil, Lysol, Dettol, Veet, Harpic, Cillit Bang, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, Calgon, Woolite and Air Wick.

RB's unique culture is at the heart of its success. Its drive to achieve, passion to outperform and commitment to quality and scientific excellence are manifested in the work of over 40,000 employees worldwide.

+ Based on Nielsen unit sales data, CCFST+ND, FY 2017

++ Based on HCP ProVoice Survey (Cough & Cold symptoms) – Claim substantiation letter, Feb. 7, 2018

About Airfarewatchdog
Airfarewatchdog is a comprehensive source for airfare and hotel deals. The site relies on data and its team of fare experts to uncover deals and "hidden" sales that aren't advertised. Airfarewatchdog is owned and operated by part of Smarter Travel LLC, a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc.

Smarter Travel operates airfarewatchdog.com, bookingbuddy.com, oyster.com, jetsetter.com, onetime.com, smartertravel.com, and familyvacationcritic.com and sites in the U.K.

¹ Based on HCP ProVoice Survey (Cough & Cold symptoms) – Claim substantiation letter, Feb. 7, 2018
² According to the US Census Bureau, there were an estimated 252,063,800 of Americans 18 and older (July, 2017).
252 x .75 = 189.04 = 189+ million Americans who would agree that they have noticed people being sick on public transportation (e.g., bus, plane, train)
³ 252 x .74 = 186.48 = 186+ million Americans who would agree that they would not make physical contact (e.g., shake hands, kiss) with family/friends who are sick, even if it is a special occasion (e.g., holiday, birthday, wedding)

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SOURCE Mucinex