Pocono News Section

Halloween Swine Flu Safety

Halloween Swine Flu Safety - Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 6:04PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Thursday, Oct 29, 2009 @ 06:04pm EDT
Danville, Montour County-

With Halloween right around the corner, parents are working hard to make sure the holiday is safe for their kids. Some simple precautions can make the events all the more spook-tacular for your little trick-or-treaters.

But a new threat this year- the H1N1 virus- means taking a few more steps than usual. And just a bit of common sense can help them avoid the swine flu completely.

Geisinger Emergency Medicine Doctor Douglas Kupas, M. D., cautioned, "Use hand sanitizer frequently. Cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than into your hands."

Dr. Kupas says making little changes can be a big help. He noted, "Maybe not doing the traditional bobbing for apples and having everybody stick their face into the same water."

He also suggests putting candy into each kid's bag, rather than having them all reach into a candy bowl.

Children should avoid sharing masks, utensils, and the like. But Dr. Kupas says parents shouldn’t go too far overboard.

He added, "H1N1 influenza should not detract from the Halloween activities."

Danville Borough Police Chief Eric Gill also had some good tips to keep all the little trick-or-treaters safe this holiday weekend.

He explained, "Children should be escorted by at least one parent or if there's a group of kids they should have an adult there to supervise them."

Gill suggests sticking to familiar neighborhoods and always having parents check candy before any of it is eaten.

If you're heading out at night, carrying a flashlight is can also be a big help.

Gill noted, "I think kids should wear costumes that are very bright or light colored, reflective stuff for the evening hours. Be able to have good vision when they're walking, so they can see the cars, sidewalks, curbs, or any other obstacle that gets in their way."

And for all the adult party-goers this Halloween, please don't drink and drive.

One more note for parents- be sure to check with local officials regarding appropriate hours for trick-or-treating in your neighborhood.