Matrixx Initiatives Inc.'s Zicam Cold Remedy has launched the Cold & Flu Companion mobile application for the T-Mobile G1, the first Android-powered phone.

The same mobile application will be released for the iPhone in mid-December. The application lets consumers check cold and flu activity by ZIP code, among other features.

"The strategy behind this launch is to provide a tool to our target consumer that allows them to take charge of their health during the cough and cold season," said Albert T. Hwang, brand manager for Matrixx Initiatives Inc., Scottsdale, AZ. "Since our consumers are constantly on-the-go, we developed the Cold & Flu Companion mobile application to help people stay prepared for the illness conditions in their localized area.

"Thus, it was a natural fit for our brand and these consumers," he said.

In time for the start of cold and flu season, this application lets active consumers access up-to-date information from any location.

On Nov. 11, Google launched Flu Trends, a Web service that can show if the number of flu cases is increasing in areas around the United States.

Matrixx Initiatives claims that the Zicam Cold & Flu Companion mobile application provides greater detail than this service by showing users the percentage of sick people in any given ZIP code, what types of symptoms are most prevalent and which ones to look out for in a specific area.

The application also keeps users updated on the latest cold and flu news.

The Zicam Cold & Flu Companion is designed to provide information to keep consumers healthy and informed whether on the move around town, traveling for business or going on vacation, so they are prepared no matter where they are.

The goal is to aid consumers in being aware of the health risks around them.

The application also provides a tool to receive coupons for Zicam products and location-based directions that identify nearby retailers where products can be purchased and coupons redeemed.

The application is currently available for Android-powered phones at the Android Marketplace on consumers' T-Mobile G1 with Google device.

It will be available in mid-December for Apple's iPhone at the iTunes App Store.

The mobile application is free at the Android Marketplace and will be free for the iPhone at the iTunes App Store.

"The functions in the mobile application are also something that we provide on our Web site, Zicam.com, and are features that we provide to consumers and Zicam users to help them take an active role in managing their health risks," Mr. Hwang said. "We have no plans to monetize this service."

Matrixx Initiatives Inc. develops and markets over-the-counter healthcare products.

Zicam LLC, its wholly-owned subsidiary, markets and sells Zicam and Nasal Comfort products in the cough and cold category and Xcid antacid in the digestive health category.

Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel is a patented, homeopathic remedy that is designed to reduce the duration and severity of the common cold.

The company also manufactures and markets a full line of Zicam brand pharmaceuticals, including Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs; Zicam Cold Remedy Chewables; Zicam Cold Remedy Oral Mist; Zicam Cold Remedy RapidMelts; Zicam Allergy Relief; Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief; Zicam Sinus Relief; as well as Zicam Cough products and Zicam Multi-Symptom relief items.

Matrixx Initiatives will get the word out about the Zicam mobile app using viral tactics, as well as some advertising support.

"We are planning on using both traditional and online media as a tool to get the word out and using digital tools, such as Twitter, Facebook, You Tube, etc. to promote the mobile application," Mr. Hwang said.