Tips to have a flu-free party this holiday season
10/23/2009
By MICHAEL HILL Associated Press Writer
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This photo taken Oct. 18, 2009 shows that if this seasons H1N1 flu concerns have you considering canceling plans to gather all your friends together to share stories and possibly germs there are some simple ideas that can help make entertaining safer for your friends health. Help guests keep track of their drinking glass with wine charms already attached to your selection of glasses at the bar. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)
The Associated Press
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Is it safe to party when swine flu threatens to crash your bash?
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It's a question many revelers may be asking this year as the holiday party season coincides with an anxiety-provoking flu season.
The good news is that while it is true that mingling over punch and canapes can help spread the H1N1 virus, health and entertaining experts say it's possible to throw a holiday party without making everyone wear surgical masks and hazmat suits.
It's a question of managing risk.
"Party. Party cautiously," advises Dr. Stephen Morse, professor of epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. That means keep things clean, be careful with finger food, forget the punch bowl and maybe even reconsider the mistletoe.
And remember to have fun.
"Just like we say with terrorists, you really don't want to let the flu win," said Dr. Shira Doron, an infectious disease physician at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.
Swine flu is spread mainly through coughing or sneezing, though people also can be infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. So basic common-sense rules apply for parties.
Do not throw a party or attend a party if you have a fever, cough or other flu symptoms. Keep your hands clean. Cough and sneeze into your elbow. Take steps to make sure guests do the same. Party planners suggest placing bottles of hand sanitizer and tissues in plain view to send a subtle signal.
"Obviously, the nature of parties is all about mixing and mingling, and that's about the opposite of what people tell you to do as far as the flu season," said Jennifer Sbranti, founder and editor-in-chief of hostesswiththemostess.com. "But it's really all about taking some precautions."
For party food, think single servings.
Avoid offering chips, candies, nuts or any food in big, open bowls that people could reach their potentially contaminated hands into.
"A hand going into a bowl is not a good thing," said Doron.
Instead, consider serving individual portions of hors d'oeuvres such as peanuts or cheese cubes on little pleated paper cups or small appetizer plates, said Denise Vivaldo, author of "The Entertaining Encyclopedia: Essential Tips for Hosting the Perfect Party."
Sbranti suggests serving crudite in little glass votive candle holders, salads in tiny Chinese food-style takeout containers or even french fries in paper snow cone cups. Culinarymedianetwork.com chief executive officer Jennifer Iannolo said soup can be served in espresso cups and desserts in ramekins.
