Sample Church Announcement (5-5-2009)


Concern over the new strain of swine flu causing illness in Wisconsin has prompted state and local public health officials to ask that church communities suspend the shaking of hands during worship services.  They would also like to remind everyone that right now there is no vaccine for swine flu but there are some ways to protect yourself and your family from this virus.	

•	Stay home for 7 days after the start of illness and fever is gone
•	Call your health care provider if you develop influenza-like symptoms. 
•	Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer often especially after you use tissues
•	Cover coughs or sneezes with your arm or sleeve
•	Don’t share drinking cups and straws
•	Avoid close contact with others who are sick
•	Get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids to stay hydrated
•	Frequently clean commonly-touched surfaces like doorknobs, telephones, faucets, computers

Symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu) include fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches, tiredness and in some cases, nausea and diarrhea.

Anytime is a good time for individuals and faith communities to prepare for an emergency.  Please visit www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov for more information about how you can prepare or emergencies.

Working together, we can help reduce the spread of illness in our homes and in our church family.