When it comes to swine flu, John Genovese of Scottsdale, Ariz., said he's not taking any chances as he settles in the dorm for his freshman year at Arizona State University.

"Swine flu is a pretty serious thing, so I'd adhere to whatever the CDC advises," Genovese, 18, said.

But even Genovese said that a new piece of advice issued Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta seems a bit strange. It's a recommendation suggesting that if college students are ill, they should refrain from kissing but, if they must, wear a surgical mask while doing the deed.

"I studied abroad in Costa Rica when swine flu broke out over there and we had to wear masks for a while," he said. "But I don't think I'd kiss with a surgical mask."

At least one of Genovese's classmates said he would, although he did add that he imagined kissing with a surgical mask wouldn't be comfortable.