BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Some parts of Halloween might be scary, but your child's safety shouldn't be. So here are some tips to avoid the flu and H1N1 while trick or treating.

Health officials suggest when giving out candy, to hand it or scoop it. Do not use a candy bowl because it can harbor and spread germs.

Avoid touching and eating unwrapped candy, reaching into candy bowls and touching other people's hands.

Also use hand sanitizer or wipe and wash your hands frequently. Children tend to put their hands in their face which is how H1N1 is commonly spread.

Most importantly, stay home if you are sick. "If you're child is sick and has a fever it's really not worth. H1N1 is a severe disease so you want to keep them home. Don't send them out trick or treating. Get them a bag of candy and do something at home," said Cindy Wasson of the Public Health Deptartment.

Finally, if you do go out trick or treating, put the candy aside for two days before eating it so that germs on wrappers can have time to die.

If you haven't gotten your costumes yet, avoid trying them on in the store. Buy a prepackaged costume that has not been worn. Also wash a mask before wearing it.

Remember it is better to be safe than sorry.