Protecting Your Kids from H1N1 this Halloween

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Updated: 7:38 AM Oct 26, 2009 Protecting Your Kids from H1N1 this Halloween Some scares usually come with Halloween, but one scare some parents weren't expecting this year is the H1N1 flu virus. "We always have wipes with us....there's that fear she's gonna get it," said parent Kelly Fochs. Posted: 6:12 AM Oct 26, 2009 Reporter: WSAW Staff

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HILBERT, Wis. - Some scares usually come with Halloween, but one scare some parents weren't expecting this year is the H1N1 flu virus.

"We always have wipes with us....there's that fear she's gonna get it," said parent Kelly Fochs.

"With everything that's going around and it's spreading so fast it's definitely a concern," said parent Becky Plate.

Early trick-or-treater's went door to door Sunday in Hilbert, some in large groups, all grabbing for candy, but hopefully not grabbing germs in the process.

"Anytime you have someone who is sick with the virus who is then around other people who aren't sick, they're all at risk to get sick," said St. Vincent's Emergency room Dr. Thomas Pannke.

Dr. Pannke said if your children seem sick, they should stay home. If they venture out, they could spread the virus.

"The virus can be on their hands and then when they touch something for instance a bowl of candy while they search through for their favorite one at the bottom of the bowl, mean time they're leaving residue of their virus and many of the other pieces of candy," he said.

Dr. Pannke said one way to stay safe is sanitize or wash your hands before eating any candy.

"If a candy wrapper is taken off and then you wash your hands the candy inside should be fine," said Dr. Pannke.

Another tip, stay away from children who have the sniffles or a cough.

While some parents are concerned about the H1N1 virus, they said they aren't going to let it ruin the holiday.

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