In a column that often lists best joke sites or safe places for kids to play online, it saddens me to be writing this one using words and phrases like bio-

terrorism, anthrax scare and germ warfare - but those once distant concepts have become the lead on every newscast. Since anthrax shares symptomology with some flu strains - here are sites to help define and fight both, should the need arise.

http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/bioterrorism.htm. Get the facts and the most recent study information about anthrax and other chemical and biological threats from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. While you're at the site, check out:

http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/cold/sick.htm. Print out this simple chart and stick it where your older children, babysitter or other child-care giver can find it. Be informed with these quick guidelines for cold and flu season. http://www.ring.com/health/colds/colds.htm. Here are common-sense tips about living through cold and flu season. A chart answers the question - ''Is it a virus, bacteria, or an allergy?'' to help you know when a call to the doctor is indicated.

http://quanta-gaia.org/health/coldsAndFlu.html. This page is from 1997, but the advice is just as meaningful today. There are good tips about avoiding the germs that can cause colds and flu. I especially like the advice to ''stay away from your doctor's office because sick people congregate there.'' File that in the ''Well DUH!'' category.

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/cold.flu. CNN offers a weekly ''Flu Tracker'' page with general information, expert advice and an influenza activity update map to show you at a glance which states are currently effected by the annual infection. So far, the tri-state remains flu free - at least on THIS map - but for a more detailed listing, go to:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/weekly.htm. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you'll find the latest and most complete information about influenza and influenza-like illnesses. (The tri-state falls under the ''sporadic reporting'' category here.) If you're into charts, graphs and official statistics, this is the place to find them. When you're done, click back to the main flu/virus page to get vaccine information as well.

http://www.chemical-biological-attack-survival-guide.com.

This is a sales site for a survival book - and while it also feeds on our fears, at least the site offers answers to some of the most asked questions WITHOUT making you pay for them.

Jan Perry invites your e-mails at SiteSeer2K@aol.com.