Make sure they come home with candy, not germs.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Does the threat of swine flu made you afraid of trick-or-treat night? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza activity has continued to increase through the month of October at such a monstrous rate that nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like illnesses are increasing steeply and are now higher than what is seen at the peak of many regular flu seasons.

But frightening flu trends are no reason to put trick-or-treat night on hold. "The key to enjoying safe and healthy trick or treating is always prevention," says epidemiologist Jorge Arana, MD, a medical officer with the CDC. By applying some practical antiflu strategies, your family can enjoy the greatest candy scramble of the year without bringing home any unwanted germs.

To start, Dr. Arana recommends we all remember three important principles. “This year, the H1N1 influenza is circulating widely across the U.S. But to prevent catching any type of flu, we always remind people to get vaccinated—the single best way to protect against the flu—cover their coughs and sneezes, and wash their hands frequently. And if you’re sick, stay home.”

Read on for some easy ways to keep trick-or-treating flu-free.