By: Carol Fowler, Director of Personnel Services

We are all watching the news and aware that the H1N1 virus, commonly called the Swine Flu, is already beginning to spread again in this region and in this country. This is a virus with respiratory symptoms very similar to the regular influenza. It includes fever, coughing, respiratory congestion and muscle aches and soreness. 

 What should we be doing in our parishes and schools? We have a few recommendations now and more extensive planning will be reported on in the near future. 

• Get regular flu shots ASAP. These immunizations are available at many locations now, such as Walgreens, CVS, Dominick’s, etc. Getting a regular flu shot may help with H1N1 symptoms, should you contract this illness. It will definitely assist the diagnostic process if you become ill with flu like symptoms and you previously received the regular flu vaccine.

• The H1N1 won't be available until the middle of October. We do not have word on how the distribution of that vaccine will take place but it is likely that this vaccine will be given to those with a higher risk of contracting the disease, such as children and pregnant women. The H1N1 vaccine will require 2 immunizations and will probably be given at designated distribution sites.

• The number one preventative is hand washing. Soap and water are the first choice, hand sanitizers are the second choice. We are also making recommendations that Eucharistic ministers wash or sanitize their hands right before they distribute