With the 2012-2013 influenza season reaching epidemic levels across the U.S., Kimberly-Clark is continuing to increase production of face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) products in response to increased customer demand from acute care facilities across the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the flu season began earlier than usual this year and is shaping up to be more severe than in years past. Kimberly-Clark has been closely monitoring CDC data and adjusting manufacturing schedules and inventory management in anticipation of continued increased demand from current customers for PPE, including face mask products. 

The health and safety of our valued customers and their patients is our most important priority, says John Amat, vice president of sales and marketing forÂ Kimberly-Clark Health Care. Kimberly-Clark representatives are proactively reaching out to all of our current customers to assure them that with our North America-based product supply, we can continue to provide the highest quality facial protection products throughout the flu season.Â  

To further help customers, their patients and consumers prevent the spread of the flu, Kimberly-Clark recommends these simple prevention precautions:Â  

-Â Get vaccinated: The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious virus.

-Â Pay attention to hand hygiene: One of the best ways to help prevent the spread of the flu is to wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based handrub.

-Â Contain the germs: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This will block the spread of droplets from your mouth or nose that could contain germs.

Additional tips and information for patients can be found at: 

.Â Kimberly-Clark also offers complimentary, accredited clinical education webinars on the topic of flu via The Kimberly-Clark Knowledge Network at:Â 

http://en.haiwatch.com/ClinicalEducation.aspx#5