Bayer Respiratory Tract Infection Alert For Total United States

National Status – ALERT*

Index This Week: 8.1 Index Last Week: 7.7 Index This Week Last Year: 6.6 Current Affected Population: 7,337,356 % Affected Population: 2.688% Affected Population Same Week Last Season: 6,405,410 Population % Change vs. Last Week: 3.7% *Alert Status: The U.S. is currently reaching a peak in RTIs for the season. RTIalert™ is reported on a scale of zero to ten, with ten indicating the highest incidence of RTIs.

The RTIalert™

The Respiratory Tract Infection Alert is America’s first national tracking system to give consumers direct access to proprietary information on respiratory tract infection (RTI) rates in their area. The RTIalert™, which is sponsored by Bayer Corporation, provides predictive information via the Internet and a toll-free number to let people know if their hometown will be hit hard with RTIs this season.

The RTIalert™ tracks common respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis and pneumonia. It is reported on a scale of zero to ten, with ten indicating the highest incidence of RTIs in that particular area.

Consumers can check the RTIalert™ in their area by logging onto www.RTIalert.com or by calling the RTIalert™ toll-free line at 1-866-RTI-INFO (1-866-784-4636) and entering their zip code. These services will also offer a free brochure on RTIs as well as tips for staying well or for getting better.

Go here for RTIalert graphs: media.internetwire.com/attachments/200102/100820_NationalAlertReport.xls