Even Santa Claus is taking the threat of H1N1 seriously.

Bill Pattison's Santa duties begin Friday at the Southern Hills Mall in Sioux City, Iowa. But he's already in mid-season form. But H1N1 is no laughing matter this Christmas season, especially with Santa greeting thousands of kids at the mall.

"When Santa meets that many people both children and adults that may be infected with one of the viruses it's always a concern because Santa doesn't want to get sick at this time of year, but he certainly doesn't want to pass it on to anyone else," Pattison said.

So he suits up in layers as a precaution when sick kids jump on his lap. He'll pack along an extra suit in case he needs to make a quick change. This Santa's wardrobe will also include a half-dozen shirts, and protective gloves.

"And Santa needs his gloves on when it's cold," Pattison said.

Many store Santas across the country have been demanding their place in line for the H1N1 vaccine. But Pattison says he'd never want to step in front of someone who's most at-risk for the flu, especially children.

"Santa doesn't have any medical issues and I don't anticipate any severe complications if I were to come down with the flu," Pattison said.

Pattison has received his seasonal flu shot, a precaution he takes every year. He'll also make sure Santa's helpers have access to plenty of hand sanitizer. This jolly old elf wants to make sure that Rudolph is the only one with a red nose this flu season.

Pattison says parents are generally good at having their sick kids wait until they're fully recovered before visiting Santa.