New Kleenex claims to blow away viruses

Old-fashioned hand-washing still is an effective way to avoid spreading colds and flu.

By Susan J. Landers, AMNews staff. Aug. 23/30, 2004.

Washington -- A tissue designed to kill at least some cold and flu viruses is on its way to stores. Kimberly-Clark is poised to begin marketing its Kleenex Anti-Viral tissue by early October, which also marks the start of cold and flu season.

"Through research, we learned that it's increasingly important to consumers to protect their families against common cold and flu viruses," said Robert P. van der Merwe, group president for Kimberly-Clark's North Atlantic Family Care division.

While the tissues won't help individuals who already have a cold, the plan is that they will help block transmission of viruses to others. Since there are about 1 billion colds a year in the United States, many of which result in visits to physicians' offices, any means to halt the viruses' relentless march will likely resonate with consumers.

But it is questionable just how effective the new tissues will be.

While the tissues are treated with an antiviral formula consisting of citric acid and sodium lauryl sulfate, which are also used in foods and toothpaste, a lot depends on the proper use and disposal of the tissue, according to researchers.

The company claims that 99.9% of cold and flu viruses -- specifically rhinoviruses type 1A and 2, influenza A and influenza B and respiratory syncytial virus -- that are trapped in the treated tissue will be killed within 15 minutes.

"The concept is good; the tissue could neutralize the virus," said Philip M. Tierno, PhD, director of clinical microbiology and diagnostic immunology at New York University Medical School. Dr. Tierno is also the author of The Secret Life of Germs.