RENO, NV - A California company is claiming a two-inch long piece of plastic can help prevent spread of the swine flu.

It's called a Touch-Stick. It comes in five different colors, and you can use it to touch things. The product, which is manufactured by Atek, Incorporated, actually has a patent pending on it. It costs $2.99 for one, or you can get a pack of five for $10.00.

But local health officials say don't run out and buy one just yet. The Touch-Stick is being marketed as "a hygienic way to push, tap, and sign keypads," After trying it out, we realized it can do all sorts of things, such as: punch in your pin, play video poker, or use an ATM machine.

But Washoe County Health officials say just because you use a tool like this, doesn't mean you're in the clear.

"I think people need to be very careful and not place too much security in something has not been scientifically tested," said Judy Davis with the Washoe County Health District.

They say just because you use the Touch-Stick for some of your daily activities, germs can be anywhere.

"You need to realize if you're touching doorknobs, telephone receivers, handrails, this object probably won't help you with those," said Davis.

Locals we spoke with also have their reservations.

"How much are they selling for? I'm not afraid to touch things with my normal hands so it would be useless to me," said Jason Paden of Reno.

His wife, Quinn added: "You could use anything. You could pull something out of your purse and do the same thing."

\While the company that manufactures Touch-Stick does not guarantee it will protect against transmission of germs, they say it could be just one more line of defense. Health officials say better yet, you could stay germ-free the old-fashioned way.

"Wash hands thoroughly and well, cover when you cough, stay home and away from other people if you're sick. Those don't cost you anything," said Davis.

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