The information below is taken from a leaflet that may be freely downloaded and distributed:
The World Health Organisation has declared a pandemic (a worldwide epidemic) of H1N1 influenza, often called ‘swine ‘flu’. This is a new form of human flu and is circulating widely in some parts of the world, including parts of the UK. As members of the Church it is right that we take every reasonable care of each other’s well being. At the present time, for example, we should all take those precaution which help avoid spreading the influenza (‘flu) virus.
It is important, for example, that in our sacramental ministry to the people of God we do what we can to take those precautions which help us avoid spreading the influenza virus.
We also need to remember to offer reassurance that the current form of swine flu is in most people a mild to moderate illness, and very few so far have become seriously ill or required hospital admission from it. The key thing is not to panic. Agencies in the UK have plans in place to deal with the pandemic.
As a minister you may be asked questions.
The virus is most easily spread when a person who has ‘flu coughs, sneezes, or even speaks. In these ways the virus is spread by them into the air. Once it is airborne the virus can easily be breathed in by other people. This can lead to the virus multiplying in them, and their contracting ‘flu also.
A secondary means of transmission occurs when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it, (for example a door handle or tissues) and then touching his or her mouth.
Some simple precautions will help protect you and those you minister to
You may need to provide pastoral ministry to people who are ill with this form of ‘flu. Some simple precautions will be sufficient.
Government is advising everyone to be prepared. To prepare:
If you have ‘flu-like symptoms (one or more of a temperature/fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, pains in your joints and limbs, diarrhoea or vomiting) and are concerned because you think you have been in contact with someone who may have swine flu:
Remember, preventing the spread of germs through good hygience is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu. You should always:
Some people are generally at higher risk than others of a flu being severe. People who are already ill from other conditions and the very old and very young are among them. While this ‘flu may seem to be spreading most among younger people, we need to be prudent and protect the vulnerable. Ministers who use good hygiene will avoid being a source of infection of those vulnerable people.
If you are visiting in a residential or nursing home, ask for advice from the staff on infection control. If you have ‘flu like symptoms, it is a good idea to get someone else to minister to vulnerable people.
Currently the virus is spreading easily in schools. This may mean local schools have an outbreak or may sometimes even need to be closed for a period of 7 days to slow spread of the virus. This has already happened in some parts of the UK and is done on the basis of advice from public health professionals. If you have a parish school the Head Teacher should notify any absences to the Health Protection Agency or Wales Health Protection Service using the usual number. You can find information for schools on infection control and other issues here:
If you are a parish or religious community or church organisation which provides any form of residential, institutional or social care you should follow carefully the Department of Health guidance on infection control and on social care. This can be found here
You can find a useful guide for employers here:
There is no need yet to suspend masses, stop the sign of peace, prevent communion under both kinds or take any kind of special measures. If and when the time comes for this, further guidance will be issued. If you do have a large outbreak in your parish (e.g. many persons ill, your parish school closed and many children and parents ill) then you should:
The current UK advice is that people who are close contacts (living in same house) of those with ‘flu but do not themselves have symptoms should go about their normal business.
Do advise people who are ill that they should stay at home and should not try to come to Mass. The obligation to take part in the celebration of Mass does not apply to those who are ill. It may be helpful to encourage them, if they are able, to join with the Church by praying at home at the time they would normally attend Mass. They can do this by reading and praying with the scripture readings and prayers set for Mass (perhaps you could post people in advance the missalettes.) Alternatively, a quiet time of prayer and reflection may be observed using any resources that seem suitable (eg A Time of Prayer, published by CTS)
If you are considering an overseas pilgrimage then consult the Foreign Office website for information on travel and swine flu.
Any guidance issued by the local public health authorities must be followed.