Are you washing your hands frequently and practicing healthy habits to prevent catching the H1N1 virus? The H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu, has become a pandemic and affected thousands of people worldwide.
The new virus emerged in the spring of 2009 as an illness communicable person-to-person. Although not related to the seasonal influenza virus, the H1N1 virus has some similar symptoms, transmission, and prevention precautions.
As pastors, you come in contact with many people. This increases your chances of getting the H1N1 virus. Be prepared to identify it. Look for signs and symptoms such as a high fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Infection with the H1N1 virus is a concern since there is little or no herd or general population immunity. The possibility of more serious infections, other than with the seasonal flu, raises concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that “[t]he new influenza A (H1N1) appears to be as contagious as seasonal influenza, and is spreading fast particularly among young people (from ages 10 to 45). The severity of the disease ranges from very mild symptoms to severe illnesses that can result in death. The majority of people who contract the virus experience the milder disease and recover without antiviral treatment or medical care. Of the more serious cases, more than half of hospitalized people had underlying health conditions or weak immune systems.”*
To protect yourself from catching the H1N1 virus you should
• thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water frequently;
• avoid touching your mouth and nose;
• avoid close contact with people who may be sick;
• where possible, stay away from crowded locations;
• and pursue proper nutrition and physical activity.
People who suspect they may be infected with the virus may contact their health professional by phone and should stay home and rest. In addition, they should
• drink plenty of fluids;
• eat a healthy diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains;
• stay home from school and work. Only go out if truly necessary and use discretion;
• cover their nose and mouth, and dispose of tissues properly;
• use a mask to help prevent the spread of droplets;
• do not take an antiviral medication unless their health care provider advises them to do so;
• do not go to work even if they feel better. This is safer and more considerate of others around them;
• and avoid traveling.
WHO states that it is safe for healthy people to travel. Do not travel if you are ill.
The pandemic influenza is currently most active in central and eastern Europe, particularly in Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, and the Urals region of the Russian Federation.
In east Asia, transmission of H1N1 remains active, though declining especially in Japan, northern and southern China, Taipei, and Hong Kong.
In North America, transmission remains widespread but has declined.
In Central and South America and the Caribbean countries, transmission remains widespread but is overall static or in decline.
In north Africa, the H1N1 virus transmission remains active.
WHO is coordinating the production of vaccines against the virus. The immunization program should protect against the H1N1 virus and the two seasonal flu strains. The vaccines are generally safe and effective with rare adverse effects. However, as in all health programs, monitoring for safety and efficacy is required.
Promoting hand washing to your family, church staff, and members is a good reminder for all those wishing to stay healthy and well. Some facilities are even discouraging others from greeting people with any form of contact such as a handshake or hug. If you have children, you can teach them a short song to sing (something that lasts approximately 15–20 seconds) while they wash their hands. This will help them to continue washing their hands until they finish the song.
Contact your medical professional or local health authority should you be concerned about having the H1N1 flu, preferably by phone unless very ill. Careful consideration of the risk you may pose of spreading diseases to others will result in your compliance with the suggestions above to ensure a healthier community.
* “What Is Pandemic (H1N1) 2009?” World Health
Organization, http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/
frequently_asked_questions/about_disease/en/index.html
Medical consultants: Allan Handysides and Peter Landless.