By Michael Johnsen

SAN DIEGO (Feb. 3) BD Diagnostics, a segment of Becton, Dickinson and Co., on Wednesday launched its "Be a Flu Fighter" initiative, a program aimed at increasing awareness and preventing influenza.

BD designed the "Be a Flu Fighter" initiative to enhance the ability of healthcare professionals at schools, hospitals, laboratories and other public/private settings to help slow the predicted, rapid spread of influenza by promoting good hygiene, vaccination and other flu prevention strategies. With straightforward, accessible language and graphics, the complimentary, printer-friendly materials can be easily downloaded from www.bd.com/ds/flufighter. The BD site also provides hospitals and laboratories with informational materials designed to help professionals properly obtain and handle specimens for flu diagnosis.

“As a world leader in health care, BD is pleased to provide these much-needed resources. Our role goes beyond providing quality products, and includes enabling healthcare professionals to effectively spread the word about practices that can lead to better prevention, diagnosis and therapy for infectious diseases, such as influenza,” stated Tobi Karchmer, medical director BD Diagnostics.