UK brands lag behind US counterparts in response to swine flu

LONDON - US soap and hygiene brands are updating their marketing campaigns in response to the panic over swine flu, but UK brands have been slower to respond to the crisis.

in the press, radio and television, UK FMCG brands appear to be lagging.

In the US, Reckitt Benckiser-owned disinfectant brand Lysol has updated its homepage with information on swine flu.

It says that although it is not yet clear how the virus is spreading, "following proper hygiene routines can help prevent the spread of illness".

However, the UK equivalent Dettol, also owned by Reckitt Benckiser, was still flagging up the avian flu virus on its homepage this morning in the "Germ Protection Centre" of its website.

Rival hand care brand Carex has a heavy focus on hygiene on its website, but no mention of swine flu or flu in general at the time of writing.

Other US brands to capitalise on the disease are Dial, which is owned by Henkel. It has quickly launched a print and online campaign encouraging people to wash their hands more often.

Johnson & Johnson has also updated the website for its brand Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer, giving information on hygiene.

In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising hand-washing as a key tool for stopping the spread of swine flu.

The on the best way to avoid catching it also includes advice on handwashing, but encourages people to carry tissues and cover their nose and mouth when sneezing.

The outbreak of swine flu began in Mexico, where it is thought to have killed 159 people.

There are presently five cases in the UK. The World Health Organisation is advising governments that a pandemic is imminent.

Brandrepublic Blogs: .

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