Santa Claus Is Coming to Town...Hide the Kids

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Government health officials in Hungary are recommending that Santa should avoid contact with children in order to prevent the spread of the flu.

"H1N1 has prompted some unusual advice this season," says ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. "This is somewhat whimsical. But it's true that the primary means of transmission of H1N1 is sneezing and coughing, so it's important to keep that in mind."

"Santa Claus is going to be coming in contact with hordes of susceptible children," says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross. "And since the primary means of viral transmission is airborne, the Santas should be among the high priorities to be vaccinated, just like health care workers."