H1N1 & Halloween: How to Keep Kids Safe

Dr. Jennifer Ashton Has Tips for Avoiding the Flu and More When Trick-or-Treating

(CBS)  Halloween means lots of kids and lots of germs, which could be a recipe for spreading the H1N1 virus.

CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton offered some tips for keeping Halloween healthy this year, on "The Early Show."

Ashton said parents and trick-or-treaters should take extra care this year with the candy bowl. She said germs can live for up to 48 hours on a surface, and even longer if the surface is wet, so it's important to avoid reaching into the bowl for candy. She said a great alternative is a scoop.

"I know it's a little sterile, but it's probably a better idea," she said.

Another way germs spread is through sharing masks.

Ashton said it's important kids keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth to keep germs away. Also, she said if you're child plans to wear a mask, he or she should avoid sharing the mask with others because germs can easily be transported from one child to another. Also, bobbing for apples is definitely something to avoid, Ashton said, if you're concerned about getting infected.

Special Report: H1N1 Virus

Ashton also encouraged keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer on hand for regular use.

Aside from H1N1, Ashton recommended reflectors for your child's Halloween treat bag or on the child's costume. She added you should also make sure your child's costume doesn't trail on the ground to avoid tripping as they trick-or-treat around the neighborhood.

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For more on Halloween safety, click here to go to the American Red Cross Halloween Safety Tips page.

[wyodutch]

Once again, the American public has demonstrated how easy it succombs to irrational fear and the herd mentality.
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How about if all those darling little kiddies just use their elbown instead of hands? Surely they can learn to dip into the candy bowl with their toes. After all, everything is for "The Children" these days.

[mary_moran]

My child came home from school saying that they learned to cough and sneeze into their elbow with Germy Wormie, and I was totally taken aback. I always covered with my hands. But I went to the website and now I get it, hands touch, elbows don't!! Kids can touch 300 surfaces in 1/2 hour and they hate to wash their hands. This is a simple thing that can make a huge difference.

[SusanStoHelit]

The H1N1 vaccine is the same as every other flu vaccine we've ever made, has gone through the same standard testing, without a hint of a problem, millions have gotten it, without any troubles.

I really hate the fearmongers attempts to feed their egos or profits (take a look - a lot of the propaganda comes from vitamin manufacturers looking to boost their profits) with no regard for the people they might kill. Many children have already died from diseases that would have been prevented by a simple standard vaccine. It's all irrational fear - look at the studies, the testing, it's all out and public - don't let them fool you, look at the real data. Or - ask your grandparents what life was like before vaccines. My grandmother gave me quite the earful, as did my polio crippled doctor.

[tadams86]

The vaccine could cause long term dangerous effects.

H1N1VaccineDangers.com