Dear Church Family,

Well, I’m sure we all knew it would happen. TV programs are beginning to write in “what if” scenarios of bird flu epidemics. Last week there was a TV movie “Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America” that was to air. I didn’t see it but have seen another program where there was a possible bird flu victim (proved not to be the case). In light of these types of programs and movies I thought I’d do a little update on questions about the possible epidemic/pandemic we hear about.

• There is no influenza pandemic in the world
• The H5N1 virus has NOT appeared in the US & it’s almost exclusively found in birds at this time.
• There are steps individuals, families and communities can take to prepare should the flu travel to the US. This information is available on www.pandemicflu.gov and much of it is just common sense, such as frequent hand washing and staying home when you’re sick. This site includes information about individual and community planning and cooperation that would be so vital to sustaining communities and neighborhoods should an extended wave of influenza happen. It has planning checklists for businesses, schools, health care providers, community organizations and states in addition to individual and family planning guides.

Influenza virus (of any kind) is primarily spread by airborne droplets that reach the eyes, nose or mouth but can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s face. Here are some good personal hygiene practices to implement starting now, if you aren’t already doing them:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Put used tissues in a waste basket
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue
• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser (little ones can be purchased and kept in a purse or pocket)
• Stay at home if you are sick

There are some antiviral agents already out there and they may be used if a pandemic should occur in the U.S. Currently the government has a supply on hand that would be available for approx. 25% of the population, which is the estimated percentage that would initially be infected.

As with all vaccines, until the actual strain of the virus is isolated the vaccine can’t be produced. It would take about 6 months to develop the vaccine once the strain is isolated. That is why using preventive practices is so very important. As with any potential problem it’s usually much easier to prevent the problem than to try and fix it.

Should a pandemic occur, because of the information and education available here and throughout the world its severity would be much less than the 1918 pandemic that is often talked about. Back then the strain that caused so many deaths wasn’t recognized as any different than the seasonal influenza and therefore no special efforts were made to contain it.

Remember, being informed, educated and prepared is the best way to remain healthy at any time of the year regardless of the illness. Frequent hand washing is the single biggest factor in the prevention of every illness, including the common cold.

Fear is our worst enemy and it comes from lack of knowledge. Read about preventive practices on www.pandemicflu.gov and put them into practice today.

As we read in Sirach 2:2, 8 :( 2) “Be sincere of heart and steadfast, undisturbed in times of adversity.(8) You who fear the Lord trust Him and your reward will not be lost.” God has blessed us with information and the intelligence to use it. Be sure you honor those gifts and put them to good use.

God’s richest blessings and my love and prayers,

Maureen Redmer, RN

Aurora Parish Nurse Program