Greg Oliver, health promotion director for the Missoula City-County Health Department said that parents need to implement a series of measures to slow the spread of flu - including the scary H1N1.

It is being said that all the kids touching candies with bare hands and sharing masks is likely to increase the risk of spreading the flu.

Oliver said that everyone needs to take precautions right from mom and dad to candy givers to kids to adult partygoers.

Astrid Newell, community health manager at the Whatcom County Health Department, offered some preventive tips this Halloween.

Parents need to ensure that kids wash their hands before eating candy and avoid eating any uncovered candy.

Sick children should be prevented from going to a Halloween party and children who do go for parties should restrict from sharing masks, drinks or utensils.

People who are handing out the candies should drop their treats into open bags instead of allowing kids to reach into bowls.

For safety advice from the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, see cdc. gov/family/halloween.