Swine Flu and Santa: Can your kid catch it from his lap?

All across the Tampa Bay area, malls and large shopping destinations have started their annual tradition of having kids sit on Santa's lap.

With so many kids getting up and down off of Santa's lap all day long, are you worried that your child could catch swine flu from this time honored tradition?

Are you hoping that malls, and even Santa, take extra precautions to make sure the areas are properly sanitized?

Dr. James Orlowski is the head of Pediatrics at University Community Hospital and says bacteria and viruses can live up to eight hours in clothing. "His beard, his hair, his clothing, and his Santa suit can all harbor a virus and other organisms," said Orlowski. Organisms like MRSA and staph all can be transferred.

The International Plaza in Tampa is the first shopping center in Tampa to host Santa. Management has been vigilant about placing disinfectant at touch points around the mall and around Santa but, even with extra measures, parents will have to draw a line in the snow this flu season when it comes to Santa. 

Related: Swine Flu - how to properly wash your hands

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Discussion with Tampa Bay parents about Swine Flu.