As trick-or-treating time looms, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you: BOO!!! SWINE FLU!

Yes, a parade of small children passing over your porch just might be an opportunity for germs to spread.

CBS News wants you to know that grubby little hands reaching into your candy bowl may not be such a great idea. Use a scoop. Or a ladle.

[G]erms 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.

Also, discourage children (and, heck, adults) from sharing masks.

H1N1 & Halloween: How to Keep Kids Safe [CBS News]

(Photo: chrisstreeter)

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