Avoiding flu while trick-or-treating

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The H1N1 virus is spreading easily among kids; making this upcoming Halloween weekend a concern for some parents.

The Department of Health is reminding everyone of some simple things parents can do to make sure kids only pick up candy, and not the flu.

John Silcox with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health says the same recommendations apply to trick-or-treating as they do school or work.

"If [children] are ill or have a fever, they should stay home," Silcox said.

Children can also reduce the spread of illness by taking breaks to wash hands or use hand sanitizer. Health officials say these tips are not meant to scare families away from a fun tradition.

"We want to make sure people are being safe and are being cautious but we do also want people to enjoy the holiday," Silcox said.

Adults can also prevent spreading the flu from the other side of the front door. Health experts recommend handing candy out individually instead of allowing kids to pick from the candy bowl.