As flu season begins, Cornell students and staff are fighting back. Their weapons? More than 19,000 bars of soap, 1,000 bottles of hand sanitizer and 1,000 disinfectant wipes.

The assault against germs was part of the Nov. 12 "Got Soap?" public health campaign to promote the importance of hand washing and hygiene in preventing the spread of germs and illnesses. Organized by Cornell's Emergency Medical Service (CUEMS) and Office of Environmental Health and Safety, the event was also supported by Gannett Health Services, Residential Life and Campus Life.

More than 75 volunteers participated, by wearing T-shirts and buttons stating "Got Soap?" and "Beat the Flu, Wash Your Hands!" and handing out soap and other items and information about the seasonal and H1N1 flu. They distributed the materials on Ho Plaza, North and West campuses and at residence halls.

The event built on the success of last year's "Got Soap?" campaign, which received national media attention and was adopted by several institutions, including two elementary schools.

It is just as important this year to prevent the transmission of the flu, said Tiffany Chang, director of CUEMS. "If done properly, hand washing is an easy and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and illness."