Swine Flu Q&A Released by the Church Health Center

Churches are on the front lines in the emerging pandemic of the H1N1 virus. We often first hear that our friends or church family members are sick through our local church. And on Sunday morning, people exchange information – both good and bad – on how to prevent and treat the disease.

Churches must provide good information and comfort to members, especially to those who are sick or who are caring for a sick family member. Many members might be anxious about the potential impact of this disease on the individual or the family. Church leaders need to have accurate information when questions arise.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the H1N1 virus:

H1N1 Frequently Asked Questions
BY SCOTT MORRIS

Why is it sometimes called “swine flu”?

When the virus was first identified in 2008, it was thought to be similar to a form of influenza (flu) that is known to infect pigs in the U.S. It is now known that H1N1 is a completely different virus.

What are the symptoms of H1N1?

The symptoms of H1N1 include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Many people also have diarrhea and vomiting. You do not need to have all of these symptoms, but most people have fever, cough and body aches.

How do you get infected?

The virus is transmitted person-to-person, mostly through coughing or sneezing, but can also be transmitted through touching.

How is the diagnosis made?

A definitive diagnosis is made through a culture of nasal secretions, but the disease is now so common that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is not recommending that doctors continue to test for the virus, so do not be surprised if your doctor does not suggest having a test done.

Who is at the greatest risk of becoming very sick?

People at greatest risk at becoming very sick include: adults over the age of sixty-five, children under the age of five, pregnant women and people with a chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or kidney disease.

When should I call the doctor?

If you or the person you are caring for experience any of the symptoms of H1N1 and are in a high-risk category, then you should call your doctor. But, if you are a healthy adult or your child is older than five years old and is healthy, then the CDC is currently recommending that you just stay at home until your fever has been gone for twenty-four hours, and only treat your symptoms with over-the-counter medicine.

When should I go see the doctor?

You should see your doctor if you believe you are not improving or if you are getting worse after three to four days of the flu symptoms.

When should I go to the emergency room?

If there are any signs that you or the person you are caring for is becoming seriously ill, then you should go the emergency room. For example, if there is trouble breathing, lips are purple, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, seizures or a child is becoming lethargic.

When is a person capable of giving the flu to someone else?

A person is contagious beginning one day before he or she has symptoms and for five to seven days after the illness begins.

How can I avoid giving H1N1 to someone else?

You should do the following:

Cover your mouth when you cough.
Wash your hands frequently.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
If you have flu symptoms, you should also avoid close contact with people who are well, and you should stay home until you have not had a fever for twenty-four hours.

Is it ok to have communion?

People with the disease should only take communion with individual cups and should not participate in public worship services until they have been without fever for twenty-four hours. The pastor should not serve communion if there are any signs of H1N1 infection.

Many more details on the H1N1 virus can be found at the CDC website, which is updated daily.

All too often in the past, the church has been a place where infectious diseases have been transmitted but, in the case of H1N1, the church can play a critical roll in keeping members healthy and helping people cope with this impending pandemic.