Flu Precautions

Due to recent events in our community, First Baptist Church desires to be proactive in informing our church family of the steps we are taking to prevent the spread of influenza. It is important to note that the recent influenza cases in our community have not been diagnosed as “swine flu.” It is not possible to distinguish swine flu from “regular” influenza on the basis of symptoms alone. Testing to determine if this is a strain of the swine flu takes approximately 2 weeks. In the meantime, First Baptist is taking the following steps:

• Placing signs around the church campus encouraging individuals to use “good health” practices.
• Placing additional anti-bacterial soap in the restrooms.
• Making the Parrish Nurses available during worship hours to discuss the current situation and evaluate possible symptoms.
• Suspending our normal “welcome time” during the service as well as holding hands at the close of each service.

Helpful Information:

How does the flu spread?
The flu virus spreads in tiny microdroplets when you cough or sneeze. Breathing in or touching droplets can give you the flu.

What should a person look for?
Watch out for any signs of the flu in yourself and your family. You might have just a few or all of these symptoms. Common signs of the flu include fever, chills, runny nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you have these symptoms you are very infectious and can spread the infection starting one day before the symptoms start until 7 days after the symptoms start.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

NOTE: When in doubt, please consult with your family physician.

Helpful Links:

CDC Cover Your Cough Poster (Adobe PDF format)

TN Department of Health: http://health.state.tn.us/H1N1.htmhttp://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/