Flu concerns have some football fans rethinking Super Bowl food plans

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (13WHAM) — Flu concerns have football fans preparing for this year's Super Bowl more cautiously than usual.

For fans like David Phillippsen of Monroe County, N.Y., where eight people have died from the illness this season, the flu has been an ongoing concern. He says he's hosting a small party to watch the game on Sunday, and he'll still include gameday staples like chicken wings, chips and dip, and more.

But he admits he'll be more careful when it comes time to eat.

"Everybody's got their fingers in there and sharing it. It does worry me. Everybody is sick right now, so it's something you should worry about," said Phillippsen.

He isn't alone with his fears.

"We're going to be sharing," said Christian Tolan, who also plans to eat wings, chips and dip, and other finger foods on Sunday. "I'm going to look and make sure my friends aren't sick."

"If I see someone sneezing and coughing, I'm going to think twice about following them to a bowl of dip," added Tolan.

Henrietta, N.Y. resident Chuck Parson also plans on hosting a small Super Bowl party on Sunday. He says his family is more careful about the flu since he recovered from a recent bout.

"My wife will make sure everybody has washed their hands properly or used hand sanitizer," said Parsons. "Earlier in the season, I dealt with the flu, so we don't want that anymore."

According to the manager of infection prevention at Rochester General Hospital, the best ways to avoid getting sick at Super Bowl parties include:

Wash your hands. Hand gel is just as effective as washing your hands

Avoid people who are sick

Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough

Avoid touching your face/eyes/mouth/nose

Avoid sharing food, drinks, and utensils with others

It’s not too late to get the flu shot