Mucinex Survey Reveals Millions of Americans Hide Being Sick

Enter Mucinex Cold & Flu All in One, Multi-Symptom Relief in One Convenient Formula

PARSIPPANY, NEW JERSEY - (October 8, 2018) – A new survey commissioned by Mucinex, the number one over-the-counter brand^* in America, reveals that more than 158 million Americans (63 percent of the adult population) ¹ would try to hide being sick² so they wouldn’t have FOMO (fear of missing out) on doing things they wanted to do. However, more than 206 million Americans (82 percent of those surveyed)³ would agree that when they see people out and about when they are sick, they wish those battling cold and flu symptoms stayed home instead. While this time of year is full of fun autumn activities and outings with family and friends, it’s also the beginning of cold and flu season, and the last thing people want to do is stay at home and battle a swarm of sick symptoms.

This fall, millions of Americans who choose to have a “secret sick identity” can instead look to Mucinex for relief. The brand’s Mucinex Cold & Flu All in One is a multi-symptom formula that targets and alleviates nine symptoms*. Though 88+ million Americans (35% of those surveyed)⁴ feel they would be considered superheroes for powering through work despite being sick, Mucinex Cold & Flu All in One can help you fight back and keep symptoms at bay.

“Mucinex Cold & Flu All in One provides a single, convenient solution for nine cold and flu symptoms, so people can get back to being their superhero selves during these busy fall and winter months,” said Brian Dolan, Equity Lead for Mucinex. “When you’re sick and feeling miserable, it’s really best to stay home and recover, but we all know that life goes on and many people refuse to take sick lying down. Mucinex Cold & Flu All in One can be a secret weapon for those moments.”

Gearing up for her debut as a TV hero, actor Minka Kelly knows this scenario all too well. Kelly has partnered with Mucinex to join the battle against sick, showing others how Mucinex Cold & Flu All in One fights symptoms so they don’t have to hide under the guise of their “secret sick identities.”

“My work and travel schedule means I’m more likely to get sick at a time when I can’t let a cold or flu get in my way,” said Minka Kelly. “When you get sick, it’s never just one thing – there are always multiple symptoms trying to get in your way. Mucinex Cold & Flu All in One relieves nine signs of the cold & flu to help you get back to being your superhero self.”

Mucinex’s survey also found that people would go to extreme lengths to feel better when getting sick. When asked what people would rather do in exchange for the “super power” of warding off their cold and flu symptoms for the next five years:

• Nearly half of those surveyed (47 percent) would give up social media for a month.
• More than a third (37 percent) would give up ordering takeout for a year.
• Nearly 25 percent would serve jury duty every day for a month.

“People will go to great lengths to feel better when they have cold or flu – even willing to give up social media,” continues Dolan. “Our survey results reinforce people’s desire to do everything in their power to fend off cold or flu symptoms. Mucinex is the #1 Doctor-Recommended brand in America**, so people can trust our products to help relieve symptoms that keep them from feeling their best.”

Mucinex Cold & Flu All-in-One is now available at all major retailers, including CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart and Target. For more information, visit Mucinex.com.

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Mucinex from September 6-10, 2018 among 2,026 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Stephanie Duffy ([email protected]) at DeVries Global.

About Mucinex
Mucinex began in 2003 as a 12-hour, OTC chest congestion medication helping to break up mucus and relieve chest congestion. It has rapidly expanded to become the largest U.S. OTC product of any kind in annual dollar sales*** – and the #1 Doctor-Recommended brand in America – offering medicine lines for chest congestion, cough, sinus and multi-symptom relief for adults and children. Mucinex’s brand’s purpose is rooted in one idea: to relentlessly fight to end the misery of being sick. For more information visit mucinex.com

About RB
RB is a global leading consumer health and hygiene company. Driven by a purpose of providing innovative solutions for healthier lives and happier homes, RB has operations in over 60 countries. From the foundations of wellness and infant nutrition, to the fundamentals of a hygienic home, its global brands help people live healthier, happier lives.

RB has world leading Powerbrands which include household names such as Enfamil, Nutramigen, Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Clearasil, Lysol, Dettol, Veet, Harpic, Cillit Bang, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, Calgon, Woolite and Air Wick.

RB’s unique culture is at the heart of its success. Its drive to achieve, passion to outperform and commitment to quality and scientific excellence are manifested in the work of over 40,000 employees worldwide.

*All of these symptoms: sore throat, fever, chest congestion, cough, nasal congestion, sinus congestion, sinus pressure, headache, body pain
**Based on HCP ProVoice Survey (Cough & Cold symptoms) – Claim substantiation letter, Feb. 7, 2018
***Based on Nielsen dollars sold data, CCFST+ND, FY 2017

Media contacts:

Liz Wolfsthal
212.546.8613
[email protected]

¹ According to the US Census Bureau, there were an estimated 252,063,800 of Americans 18 and older (July, 2017). 252 x .63 Americans who agree they would try to hide their sick symptoms to do something they wanted to do = 158,800,194 or more than 158 million
² For the purposes of this survey, “sick” is defined as cold & flu related symptoms
³ 252 x .82 = 206.6 = 206+ million Americans who would agree that those battling cold & flu symptoms should stay home.
⁴ 252 x .35 = 88.2 = 88+ million Americans think they would be considered a “superhero.” for powering through work despite having a cold.