It's a good year to be a germaphobe.
Hand sanitizers are everywhere. Obsessive hand-washing is socially acceptable. And the threat of the H1N1 flu has led to a slew of new products designed to keep germs at bay.
No doubt, fighting the flu is a messy business. Cleaning up runny noses is not a job for the easily grossed-out. Neither is combating H1N1 germs, which can cling to doorknobs for six to eight hours.
To the rescue are all kinds of products with kid-friendly names such as Germy Wormy and various scents designed to make the grossest jobs a little easier to handle. Many of the new products were developed by moms who saw a problem and tried to solve it. The products are mostly found online, but some have expanded into retail stores.
During a year when just about everyone is looking for ways to avoid germs or at least make the flu a little less miserable, there are plenty of ways to do it.
Sniffle Buddies
What it is: Let's face it, kids are going to wipe their runny noses on their shirt sleeves. Two moms who met in Target recognized this gross reality and came up with a product to make it a little less disgusting. Sniffle Buddies were designed to catch the constant drip of a runny nose. They're not for heavy-duty nose blowing, just the sniffles.
How it works: If you ever tucked a tissue in your sleeve, you know how the Sniffle Buddy works. It's designed with young children in mind and is made from soft, organic bamboo fabric that attaches to the wrist with Velcro. The material has naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fugal properties to make it a little more sanitary, and it's reusable. The cloth retains its anti-bacterial properties after more than 50 washings.
Why buy it: First, you won't have to chase your toddler around the room with a tissue hoping you'll get to his nose before his sleeve does. Sniffle Buddies are specifically for toddlers to 7-year-olds but work for adults, too. They're especially suited for running, doing yoga and exercising in the gym.
Details: About $10 for two, www.snifflebuddies.com
Ultracept Antiseptic Handwash
What it is: A hand wash that kills 99.99 percent of germs instantly and lasts for up to six hours.
How it works: The patented long-lasting wash kills germs and moisturizes the skin. Since 2004, it has been used in hospitals. It's now available to the general public.
Why buy it: It does not have to be reapplied as often as other hand sanitizers. While others kill germs, studies have shown that as soon as someone touches a doorknob or other surface, they come into contact with new germs. But with Ultracept, the protection continues. Plus, it's made by a Fort Worth specialty pharmaceutical company.
Details: About $12 for a three-pack, www.ultracept.com
Bed Buddy Foot Warmer
What it is: Socks that deliver warm, moist heat that can help relieve aches and pain. They won't keep a cold away, but they certainly can make one less miserable. The foot warmers join a line of other products that all do pretty much the same thing.
How it works: Pop the socks in the microwave, and in 30 seconds they're ready. The warmers contain grains that hold the moist heat along with eucalyptus to revitalize, clove to comfort and cinnamon to calm.
Why buy it: They warm up cold feet and are especially soothing to those with arthritis.
Details: About $13, or foot and hand warmers together for about $16; Walmart, www.active forever.com and other retail stores
Bee M.D.
What it does: Relieves a nagging cough with 100 percent natural organic honey in a soothing drop.
How it works: The natural healing properties of honey calm a nagging cough.
Why buy it: It tastes good and is a natural alternative to cough medications.
Details: About $3.50 a bag; CVS, Kroger and other retailers
Kidz Med Thermofocus 5-in-1 Non-Contact Thermometer Plus
What it does: Takes a child's temperature in less than a second without touching the skin.
How it works: Thermometers that are used in the ear and forehead have become popular in recent years. This one takes readings from the forehead, armpit or naval. It can also measure ambient room and surface temperatures. The device uses infrared technology to detect heat.
Why buy it: You can take a child's temperature while he's asleep.
Details: About $50 to $70 depending on model; Walmart, www.kidzmed.com
Sure Fit Stretch Transit Cover
What it does: Creates a barrier between you and those germ-saturated seats on airplanes, trains and buses.
How it works: Slips onto a seat just like a slipcover. Made from stretchy material, it is designed to work on most transit seats.
Why buy it: Airplanes are germy places, and those tiny toilets are even worse. Traces of E. coli have been detected on the faucets, doors and handles of airplane toilets. People take those germs back to their seats, where the next person who sits down is exposed to them. If that's not enough, the powerful flush of airplane toilets can spray bacterial water all over you, which you then take to your seat.
Details: $15, www.surefit.net
Gotta Go Mitts
What it does: Protects children who have a tendency to touch everything from the floor to the toilet seat in nasty, germ-infested public restrooms. Can also be used as a barrier against grocery-cart handles and other unsanitary places that kids come into contact with.
How it works: Made from 100 percent polyethylene material, the disposable waterproof mitts can easily be slipped on when a child uses a public restroom.
Why buy it: Studies have found that saliva, bacteria and other gross stuff is lurking everywhere little hands go, including grocery-cart handles, toilet seats and door handles.
Details: $3.99 for a box of 20 mitts, www.gottagomitts.com
Boogie Wipes
What it does: The maker of this product likes to advertise that these are "snot your average wipe" because they contain saline.
How it works: The saline helps dissolve mucus, while vitamin E, aloe and chamomile moisturize.
Why buy it: It makes cleaning up noses easier, and the wipes come in scents such as grape and menthol.
Details: $44 for 30-count; Kroger, Walgreens, Walmart and other retailers
Thera-Med Sinus Headache Cold Pack
What it does: Delivers targeted icy relief for sinus pain and headaches.
How it works: Can be placed on the forehead or over eyes. Adjustable strap keeps it in place. Reusable.
Why buy it: It's a way to get relief without using medications.
Details: $10, Walmart and various pharmacies
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.