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Apr 29 - SWINE FLU ALERTS from Episcopal Community Services and Others
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On April 29, 2009 The Episcopal Church national office issued
the following statement concerning the current swine flu outbreak:
The Episcopal Church recommends that its dioceses actively review the most current information about swine flu in order to make decisions based on local practices and safety concerns in our church communities.
Episcopal Relief & Development is closely monitoring the needs related to swine flu by remaining in regular contact with public health officials and authorities on both national and local levels. Episcopal Relief & Development is also reaching out to potential collaborative responders through the network of agencies affiliated with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.
In addition, extensive information about preparing for the swine flu and other potential pandemic influenza outbreaks is available to our dioceses and all faith communities on the Episcopal Relief & Development's web site www.er-d.org . This site links to strong examples of pandemic preparedness plans and offers resources that can help people to provide for congregational gathering needs should an outbreak occur.
The following additional information was provided
by Louise M. Baietto of the diocesan Office of Finance and Administration:
Swine Flu Information from the Medical Trust
We have all been hearing about the outbreak of Swine Flu in Mexico. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now reporting that 40 cases, much less serious than those reported in Mexico, have been reported in the United States.
According to the World Health Organization, Swine flu, or swine influenza, is a form of a virus that normally infects pigs. There are many forms of flu, and the different varieties have the ability to exchange genes with one another. The form of flu that originated in Mexico is a genetic mixture of viruses that have been seen in pigs, birds, and people. It's being called a swine flu because the overall structure of the virus is of the type that affects pigs.
The CDC is working closely with state and local officials, as well as Mexico, Canada, and the World Health Organization, to investigate the human cases of swine influenza. It is important to communicate that there is no human influenza pandemic at this time.
Things You Can Do
The Atlanta-based federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending several steps to prevent the spread of the virus:
� Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
� Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
� Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
� Try to avoid contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
� If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Do not return until two days after your symptoms are gone.
� Masks may be recommended for health care workers, family members, and others who come in close contact with swine flu patients, but there is no need for the general public to wear masks.
How to Properly Wash Your Hands
� Wet hands and apply soap
� Rub hands together to create friction
� Wash for at least 20 seconds
� Wash under fingernails and in creases
� Rinse well
� Dry hands
� Use paper towel to touch surfaces
� Dispose of paper towel
Journalists set up outside the St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens, New York on Sunday, April 26.
The CDC confirmed that eight students at the school have been infected with swine flu.
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