North Carolina State Fair officials have taken extra measures toward preventing the spread of the flu at this year’s event due to the emergence of the H1N1 virus.  

Every year, residents from all over the state come to ride the rides, eat the food and see the exhibits. All of these hands-on activities make the fair a potential breeding ground for viruses, including the seasonal flu and H1N1.  

Not only are fair officials trying to prevent the spread of H1N1 from person to person, but also from humans to the animals featured in exhibits and competitions. In an attempt to keep the animals safe from the virus, there are hand sinks next to most of the animal exhibits for people to wash their hands before and after handling them.  

In addition to the hand sinks, there are signs placed around the exhibits reading: “Attention, our animals are healthy. Are you?” The bottom of the signs ask people to please refrain from entering the exhibit if they are sick, or have been in the last seven days.  

State veterinarian David Marshall told WRAL that he felt like the hand-washing stations were effective.  

“[The sinks] are above industry standards and quite effective in minimizing the risk,” Marshall said.  

Fair officials, as well as doctors, have encouraged people who are sick, or who have been sick in the past seven days, to stay home and not go to the fair. People are also encouraged to use the hand-washing stations and to carry hand sanitizer or hand wipes with them.  

Although many people are worried about the H1N1 virus, because it is a new and highly contagious type of influenza, people can still get the seasonal flu as well.  

The hand-washing stations are set up to prevent H1N1 as well as other types of viruses people can pick up at the fair, including seasonal influenza, fair officials said. This year, there is also a booth where fairgoers can get their seasonal flu vaccine while they’re visiting the fair.  

While the threat of becoming infected with H1N1 may make some people think twice about visiting the fair, others, such as Mike Anderson, a sophomore in agricultural business, are not hesitating to go.  

“I’m not worried about contracting the H1N1 virus. I’ve had a flu shot and I still plan on going to the fair with my friends,” Anderson said.