The Center for Disease Control in Washington, D.C. has issued a warning about Swine Flu, which has killed many people in Mexico.  Many cases have been confirmed in the United States and most recently cases have been reported in the Adams Friendship corridor of the State of Wisconsin.

As the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have been telling us, at this time there is no need to be alarmed.  However, we do need to take reasonable precautions to keep ourselves healthy and prevent the spread of the influenza virus. The links on the left of this page contain helpful information about the flu virus and prevention.

It is important to note that those who received a vaccination earlier this year may not be protected from this strain of the flu. 

Swine flu spreads like the normal flu, through person-to-person contact and through the air due to coughing and sneezing around others. 

In an effort to keep yourself and others healthy, the CDC recommends following these rules of personal hygiene at all times:

• 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 coughing or sneezing.  Alcohol based hand cleaners (sanitizer) are also effective, but soap and water is preferable.

• Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose and mouth.

• If you get sick, stay home from work, school, and parish activities. Limiting contact with others is the best way to prevent infecting others.

Additionally, though not diocesan policy, the diocese suggests that:

• Those who distribute Holy Communion should take care to clean hands prior to distribution of Communion.  This should be done discretely, preferably outside of the sanctuary.  Ministers should find or request a substitute if they feel that they may be getting sick.

• People should be reminded that if they are not feeling well or if their own immune system is suppressed that they should refrain from touching others during the sign of peace and refrain from receiving Holy Communion from the chalice.  All should be encouraged to respect others if they choose to refrain from shaking hands during the sign of peace, though they can still say the greeting of peace and smile!

• If a person is seriously ill they are not bound to participate in (attend) Sunday Mass.