Can my child catch the seasonal flu or H1N1 from Halloween candy?

Ask the Pediatrician

Can my child catch the seasonal flu or H1N1 from Halloween candy?

Dr. Carrie Byington, member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, says:

Perhaps, but the chances are very slim. If a person sick with the flu is handing out the Halloween candy, there is a possibility of the virus living on the wrapper for a short time. But in general, the influenza virus does not survive for long on cloth, paper and tissues, according to a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases -- so the risk is minimal.

Of course, a few precautions will help children avoid catching the flu during the Halloween season:

Wash hands after handling the candy and before eating the candy
Have a parent inspect all candy
Only eat candy that has been wrapped
Do not share candy that children have put in their mouths

ABOUT TODAY'S EXPERT:

Sniffle Solutions expert Dr. Carrie Byington is a pediatrician and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. She is the vice chair of research enterprise in the department of pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine.