FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's this about Donations?

IA is commited to education and research on important public health issues.  Because of this commitment, we contribute a portion of all proceeds to organizations and agencies with similar dedication.

Contributions made by Infectious Awareables, Inc. in 2005, include the following as well as numerous non-profit organization auctions and fund-raisers.

  • PATH
  • AIDS Project L.A.
  • Christopher Reeve Foundation
  • Y-Me National Breast Cancer Org
  • Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
  • Special Olympics
  • Polio Plus (Rotary International)
  • Central Indiana Prostate Cancer Inc
  • Office Safety and Asepsis Procedures
  • Association for Professionals in Infection Control
  • The Children's Dental Center
  • Andre Agassi Charitable Organization

Read more about our charitable activities

Q: Whatever possessed you to put bacteria, viruses and other scientific images on neckties, scarves, boxers and other products?

We started out in 1997 with the sole purpose of producing educational materials, primarily our H.I.D.E. & S.E.E.K! Disease Prevention video (which has gone on to win several production awards). A good friend gave us...gulp-Herpes at the "wrap" party celebrating completion of the production. The good news is that this Herpes was in shades of blue, yellow and red, it came on silk, and it was removable! We loved the connection to our mission, so we did some due diligence on the product source. In the end, we were fortunate to be able to "seize the day," a case of simply being "in the right place at the right time!"

Q: Where do you get your ideas for designs?

All the designs are based on actual slides or photomicrographs of organisms, or on scientific images. Our team converts the images to a pattern, colorizes them, and voila! OUTBREAK!

Q: How accurate are the images on the Awareables neckwear?

All are based on the actual slides, but some of the earlier incarnations are more "artistic" than others - the original Malaria, for example. The designs completed after 1997are all quite accurate and representative of the underlying science.

Q: How do you decide on what designs, or entities, to create?

A combination of personal interest, obvious need for awareness, accessibility of images, potential collaborations and economic realities.

Q: What's on the horizon?

Some very cool new note cards, BioNotes, along with some really out-there (not to mention, important) Awareness Accessories. Stay in touch with the Site for updates.

Q: Is H.I.D.E. & S.E.E.K! a children's video?

Yes and No! H.I.D.E & S.E.E.K! is an acronym representing the most effective strategies in preventing the spread of infection. (Handwashing, Immunization, Drug safety, Eating safety, Safe personal practices, Environment, Elderly and Kids.) The presentation has won several prestigious awards, and is currently being used in thousands of healthcare, convalescent, daycare, domestic and public health venues, worldwide. We have found it effective - and entertaining - for viewers of all ages, beginning at about age 8. Note: We do have a young children's presentation ready for production pending a collaborative partner. Contact us if interested in working with us on this.

Q: Is H.I.D.E & S.E.E.K! another snoozer about less-than-perfect habits and life-styles?

Nope! It's a really entertaining, thought-provoking and memorable presentation about less-than-perfect habits and life-styles! Guaranteed you will never again look at a chicken (or your restroom mates) in quite the same way.

Q: Can we buy one copy of H.I.D.E. & S.E.E.K! and copy it for our facility?

That's a NO, but you may broadcast within a facility, with written permission.

Q: What kind of guarantees do you have on your products?

If you don't like our materials, you won't use them and no one wins. So if you're not satisfied with the purchase, just call our Customer Service office for instructions on return procedures, we'll help out with the rest. Good news for us: in the past six years, including many thousands of sales, there have been only 4 returns of defective neckwear and five defective videos. Whew!

Q: Can you make a proprietary design for our company (organization)?

We do it all the time, and it's great fun! See the Custom Design page, or call Customer Service with inquiries.

We're committed to contributing a portion of all proceeds towards education, research or treatment. See the About Us page for a list of partners. Whenever possible, we support agencies and organizations that help us to learn and to promote awareness about important health issues.