H1N1 flu precautions

Please see the information below pertaining to the H1N1 flu precautions from Delores Reid:

I am sending information which I hope can be put on our Harrisonburg UMC district web site with the parish nurse info and also sent to the individual ministers. I feel each church should look at how to prepare for a possible pandemic as well as ways to prevent the spread of the flu within their faith community and surrounding community. There are resources at the web sites listed.

http://www.vdh.state.va.us

http://www.vdh.state.va.us/lhd

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/pdf/covercough_school8-5x11.pdf for copy of poster related to protection when coughing

www.pandemicflu.gov/index.html (check on the site under individual and community). The community link has information regarding what churches should consider in the event of needing to provide for emergency help with local communities.

 

We all should be practicing good health and cleanliness techniques to prevent and control the spread of H1N1 (swine flu) and the regular flu.

Basic steps include

Ø  Cover your mouth and nose when you cough

 

Ø  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective 

Ø  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread this way

Ø  Try to avoid close contact with sick people

Ø  If you are sick with a flu-like illness (fever 101-102 or more accompanied by a cough, runny nose) you should contact your health care provider and stay away from public places until it has been confirmed that you do not have the swine (H1N1) flu. You may also have a sore throat and  possibly vomiting and diarrhea along with the other symptoms. The Center for Disease Control is recommending persons stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care.

 

Blessings and good health to all,

Delores Reid RN, FCN