H1N1 and Halloween: Now that's scary

Doctors say it's a first. H1N1 and Halloween. The seasonal flu has never arrived in time for Halloween, but H1N1 has. Health experts say it could be scary, but not if we all practice common sense. Those plastic or rubber masks that you have to pull over your head? Dr. Doug Hardy at Medical City Dallas says that in the proper environment, viruses can live on them for up to 12 hours. And what about those bowls and bags of candy that kids rummage through to find their vavorite sweet? Those tiny hands and fingers may be grubby and leave behind germs for the next group of kids. Dr. Hardy says this Halloween doesn't need to scary. Here are a couple of good ideas: If you try on a mask, be sure to wipe it down with alcohol. While you're trick or treating with your kids, be sure to take along some hand sanitizer. It's only Halloween, and that should do the trick.