15.This may seem to be off topic, but actually it is not. Church services are gatherings of
people, so anything which would affect the gatherings is a legitimate topic of
discussion. Currently in the
United States and numerous other countries there are spreading influenza
(“flu”) and norovirus epidemics.
The H3N2 Influenza A virus is the predominant virus rapidly
diffusing across the United States (as of today it has spread to 41 states). As of 31 December 2012, 2200 persons
have been hospitalized and over 18 children have died. Annually, various forms of the flu kill
an average of 36,000 persons in the United States alone. The route of transmission of the H3N2
virus this time appears to be East
and Southeast Asia, to Australia and New Zealand, then to North America,
Europe, and finally South America.
Basically, everyone.
The norovirus is not flu but is a gastrointestinal virus
which causes vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, headaches, and stomach
cramping. It appears to be
spreading in the following path: Australia to the United States, France, New
Zealand, Japan, and Great Britain.
It lasts about three days and is not likely to kill anyone who is not
already immunocompromised or debilitated.
There are numerous things which people can do to lessen their
chances of contracting these viruses.
1.
Wash your hands often, especially after touching
anything public such as doorknobs, hand rails, toilet handles, etc.
2.
If sanitary wipes or sanitary hand foam are
provided, use them.
3.
Wipe your phone after someone else uses it.
4.
Wipe the handles of carts or baskets at shopping
malls.
5.
Use your knuckle or the end of a pen to push the
buttons on an elevator.
6.
Keep your hands away from your face, and out of
your mouth, nose, or eyes.
7.
If advised to do so by public health officials,
do not hesitate to wear a mask in public.
8.
Wash clothing thoroughly and machine dry. Wash your hands after handling the
clothing.
9.
Do not eat raw foods; thoroughly cook fish,
meats, poultry, and seafood. Wash
fruits and vegetables under running water before processing them. Wash your hands after handling uncooked
food.
10. Avoid
drinking from public fountains if at all possible.
11. Do
not share cups, glasses, or eating utensils with other people, especially
anyone noticeably sick.
12. If
someone is repeatedly coughing or sneezing you might want to move away from
them.
13. Sneeze
into a napkin, handkerchief, or your shirt sleeve.
14. Before
sitting on a public toilet, put down a paper seat cover. If one is not available, lay down
toilet paper on which to sit.
At least during the
epidemics, it might be wise not to use a communal communion cup. If everyone puts his or her mouth on
the cup, medically it is the same as if everyone used the same toothbrush.
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