We are called to prepare for the possibility of a flu epidemic. Much preparation involves common sense. Know the symptoms of flu: a sudden onset of symptoms (3-6 hours), chills and fever (100°F or higher for 3 or 4 days), severe aches and pains, dry cough or sore throat, sometimes headache or diarrhea or vomiting. Stay home if you have the flu until you are free of fever for 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medicine (such as Tylenol). Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, if a tissue is unavailable, sneeze into your elbow or shoulder. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. If you are in a high risk group, get immunized. The Center for Disease Control recommends these groups be vaccinated for the seasonal flu: people aged 6 months - 18 years or older than 50, pregnant women, those caring for infants under 6 months, healthcare providers, residents of long-term care facilities, those with chronic diseases (heart, lung or diabetes). These groups may be at risk for complications from H1N1 flu, and should be vaccinated for H1N1: people aged 6 months - 24 years, pregnant women, those caring for infants under 6 months, healthcare providers, anyone aged 25-64 with chronic diseases.
Our Christian faith provides us with spiritual resources to respond to fearful predictions with courage and to replace anxiety with trust. Throughout history, humanity has been plagued with disease, epidemics, famines and war. The strain of flu known as H1N1 is the latest threat to our generation. Let us face adversity with calm, steady faith, preparing ourselves as best we can, and demonstrating trust in our loving, merciful God. Let us love and care for those who are sick. Let us pray for God to heal the sick. Let us hold fast to the joy and hope of Christian faith, so that those in future generations will look back and admire our steadfast love. .