There's still SO MUCH BUZZ about swine flu! I personally think it's kind of overblown but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't play it safe as moms.  I just read a WebMD article by Daniel J. DeNoon that says the #1 way you can contract it, is when someone coughs in your face (hopefully people aren't coughing in your face much).  The #2 way is "touching something contaminated with flu virus and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes with your unwashed hand", which gives you a "31% chance at getting sick."

Now that school is back in full swing, so is the likelihood of kids spreading sniffle and cough causing germs amongst their classmates. A hand sanitizer is more effective than soap in reducing the germs on your hands. There are a lot of choices out there in sanitizer products, so here are Belli's tips for getting the most out of your hand sanitization:

1. Most hand sanitizers use ethyl alcohol as the active ingredient, which is very drying and also tends to leave behind a sticky residue with a potent medical odor. So look for a sanitizer that has a fresh scent (who wants to smell like a hospital?)

2. Look for products that use benzalkonium chloride

3. Should not require water

4. Should not stain your clothing

5. If you're pregnant or a mom, it should be a teratology screened product

(Here's our plug:) Belli’s Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer helps eliminate 99.9 percent of germs on contact. It features the powerful antibacterial ingredient, benzalkonium chloride and leaves hands feeling soft, smooth and comfortable with a delicious, light citrus scent.   Also, at 2.0 oz, it’s the perfect travel size to throw into your purse, gym or diaper bag!  

Most of all - be careful this flu season!