Churchwide:
'Flu rituals' added to the church season (Episcopal Life Online) - Sept. 30, 2009
Local preparations for the H1N1 flu pandemic
An Aug. 13 disaster planning conference sponsored by the United Way in Atlanta provided up-to-date information regarding the H1N1 influenza pandemic.
The Rev. Paul McCabe, newly appointed disaster planning and response coordinator for the Diocese Atlanta, and the Rev. Debra Shew, canon for community ministries, took part in the conference and compiled this summary of the most salient information and resources.
They will continue to pass on important information as the situation unfolds, particularly regarding liturgical and operational changes recommended for our parishes.
Here’s what they’ve learned:
Pandemic flu preparation
The current H1N1 flu has now reached classification as a pandemic and is present in our diocese. Preparations must be made in our homes, workplaces, and churches. The Pandemic Influenza Planning pages on the website of Episcopal Relief and Development say it well:
It is critical that we, as churches, dioceses, and caregivers prepare for the possibility of an influenza pandemic:
• to maintain our business continuity
• to provide for a collective worship life in the case of quarantine and disruption
• to bring compassion and God’s care to those in our communities who will be afflicted.
The best single source for the most up-to-date information about the current pandemic can be found at “What’s Happening Now?” You can also sign up for the RSS feed or e-mail alerts to receive the most up-to-date information.
For your convenience, here are a few of the basic items of information that all members of the diocese should know and understand:
Clinical facts
• The flu has a 2-4 day incubation period. It moves fast.
• Infected persons can shed the virus and transmit infection for one-half to one day before onset of illness and can spread it without showing signs of symptoms.
• Viral shedding is greatest during the first two days of illness (coughing and sneezing produce droplets).
• The virus can remain infectious for as long as two to eight hours on a doorknob, the CDC reports.
• Typically there are two 2-month outbreak waves spaced 2-9 months apart.
• There is no immunity, and a vaccine will not likely be available until at least mid-October, obviously well after the virus has spread further.
• Drugs: Tamiflu (oseltamivir) 75-mg capsule remains the antiviral drug of choice. It is not a vaccine. It requires a prescription. The latest recommendation is 4 capsules a day for 8 days. Take the drug in accordance with the doctor’s prescription; it should be started by the second day of symptoms. It can lessen symptoms and may, importantly, also decrease your chances of passing on the virus to others.
Preparation
• Flu shot –Everyone should get vaccinated with a seasonal flu shot. The current vaccine offers no specific protection against the new flu virus, but it will help keep your body as strong as possible, improving your odds of survival in case you get the pandemic flu (H1N1 strain) as well as avoided the danger of getting both viruses simultaneously
• Pneumonia shot - Pneumonia is a frequent complication of the flu. Consult with your physician about getting a pneumonia shot now.
• Gloves and masks - Purchase disposable gloves and N95 respirator masks which you can get at Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowes, or Wal-Mart. The best price is for a bulk pack of 20.
• Prepare with emergency rations - This is important for two reasons: 1) Human behavior being what it is, officials know there may be a run on supermarkets as the pandemic worsens, and 2) If someone in your household is sick, you should not risk going to the store and infecting others. Maintain at least three months worth of canned foods and supplies and at least as much water per each individual (1 gallon a day per person is needed) so you don’t have to leave home. (More is better). See www.pandemicflu.gov for a list of supplies.
Safeguards during a pandemic
• Increase social distance: In churches, this will perhaps mean things like passing the peace differently, having worshippers sit farther apart, and rethinking nursery and educational spaces.
• Minimize social contact: The best way to remain safe during a pandemic is to limit exposure to other people. If a family member becomes sick choose one person to be the caretaker and take precautions. All family members should stay at home as much as possible, avoiding unnecessary trips and contact with others. Think "snow days" in a blizzard.
• Hand hygiene – This is the single most important practice. Wash hands often. Wash at least 20 seconds in soapy water; sing happy birthday twice, once to each hand. Hand hygiene includes alcohol-based products (gels, rinses, foams) containing an emollient that does not require the use of water.
• Gloves - Use disposable gloves for mail, newspapers, pumping gas, grocery shopping, and especially when caring for a sick family member. Wash hands after glove removal.
• Masks - N95 respirator masks are recommended. They may not be in the pharmacy, but you can find them in hardware and paint departments. They are for one-time use and disposable. Wash hands after discarding a used mask. Surgical masks will help prevent infection.
• Hauling trash - To haul trash, use trash liner bags for street pick-up to avoid touching a garbage can.
These measures may seem extreme but will possibly save your life in the event of a pandemic flu that mutates into a strain that current vaccines cannot protect us from.
The Rev. Paul McCabe, Diocese of Atlanta Disaster Planning and Response Coordinator
Episcopal Church of the Annunciation
1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta, GA 30064
Phone: 770-928-7916
rector@annunciationepiscopal.org
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