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Remember when the scariest thing about Halloween was the old dark house on the hill? Now, as parents, we have so many things to worry about during this youthful holiday.

While most parents keep a careful eye on their kids, dress them with reflective clothing or flashlights, and warn them about taking unsealed snacks from strangers, some might not being so conscious of the millions of germs set out to attack their little ghouls.

How many bedecked fingers have poked that doorbell or dug around in the candy dish before your child's? If you are planning to go door-to-door with him, it'd be wise to bring a small bottle of antibacterial gel with you in order to cleanse his "paws".

It's the time of year for flu shots, according to the CDC. No parent likes to see their kid jabbed with a needle, but this one shot could have saved the lives of 83 children last year. Children, especially under age 5, are generally considered "at risk" and therefore insurance companies will cover the cost of the vaccine.

There is no vaccine for the common cold, of course. The best a parent can do is to keep their beastie's hands as clean as possible, sanitize surfaces and handles in the home, and keep up on their regular physician exams.

Don't have family health insurance? While hand gel and soap are beneficial, they are certainly no substitute for medical care. A cold can very easily turn into pneumonia, and even a mild case can send an uninsured family into financial trouble.

Halloween should be a fun-filled celebration, but a little extra germ-consciousness can help ensure your child will be able to thoroughly enjoy his sugary loot (and keep dentists in business!).