Remember when the only challenge you had at Halloween was which superhero your child wanted to be? It’s a whole new world out there these days with everything from candy concerns, COVID-19 restrictions and the flu.
As some of us may be participating in Halloween festivities, we need to make sure we stay safe and healthy when doing so, especially this year. Things like, driving safety, candy allergies, COVID-19 testing and flu vaccines are some of the common things parents are looking into this year in order to get keep their kids safe.
AFC Urgent Care Torrington is here to keep your sanity in check with some updated Halloween health and safety tips for 2020.
1. Road Safety and visibility
It is a fact that more children are struck by cars on Halloween than any other night of the year. While excited trick-or-treaters may forget the rules of the road and be oblivious to the hazards, we as motorists must be vigilant, especially in crowded neighborhoods.
What should a trick or treater do when on the road during Halloween?
- Stick to an assigned route, or at least a familiar one. Halloween is not the time to take shortcuts or test new routes. Instead, stick to neighborhoods you know that are well-lit.
- Children and adults should wear vibrant costumes that are visible in the dark. Try choosing costumes with reflectors.
- Carry flashlights and be accompanied by a supervising adult.
- Use crosswalks instead of walking on the street. Don’t assume you have the right away. Pay attention to traffic lights!
2. Flu Vaccination and COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing
Before you go, we suggest that you get tested for COVID-19. Whether you are attending a gathering, orchard, or trick or treating, the only risk is NOT knowing if you are carrying the COVID-19 virus or not. Rapid testing is offered 7 days a week at AFC Urgent Care in Torrington by appointment.
Flu shots
It’s time to ghost the flu before you give it a chance to get you this Halloween. Children are common spreaders of the flu and the last thing we need is for them to come home and give it to the rest of us. A Flu vaccine is the best safeguard against the flu and it protects everyone else around them. It also eliminates the flu when trying to diagnose COVID-19.
3. Check your child’s candy!
Candy allergies are very common and the last thing you need is a trip to the ER.
At minimum you should instruct your children not to eat anything until the loot bag is spilled open on your kitchen table for inspection. If it’s not sealed tight, throw it away. If it looks old or wrinkled or smashed, rinse and repeat. Throw out any/all homemade items as you can’t really know the ingredients or if they were tampered with.
Halloween Health and Safety tip for parents – Always carry an auto-injectable epinephrine with you! Seriously…you never know what could happen.
AFC Urgent Care Torrington wishes everyone a safe and healthy Halloween
As COVID-19 cases have been rising over the past few weeks, the Department of Public Health advises is on top of Halloween safety and guidance for parents. Please remember to wear a mask (A costume mask is not a substitute), use hand sanitizer, and maintain social distancing.
AFC Urgent Care Torrington is open 7 days a week and will be here if you need us for flu vaccinations, COVID-19 testing or any Halloween related injuries. No appointment is ever needed when visiting AFC Urgent Care. We are located on 1179 E. Main St. and we accept most insurances. Our staff is fully equipped with PPE gear and we make sure our facility is clean and sanitized for you.
