Church issues advisory vs. spread of A(H1N1) virus
Expect certain changes in church these days.
This, after the Archdiocese of Jaro, through Archbishop Angel Lagdameo issued precautions to help prevent the spread of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus for the duration of the pandemic.
A copy of the advisory sent to The News Today states the following precautions:
In all Masses, Holy Communion shall be given only in the hand; there shall be no holding of hands during the praying of the Lord’s Prayer; a simple nod shall suffice for the giving of Peace; Holy Water Stoups shall be emptied of Holy Water and church-goers are advised just to make the sign of the Cross on entering and going out of the church; and priests and lay ministers distributing Communion during the Mass must wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers before and after the Mass.
Lagdameo also urged the priests to include the following petition at every mass: That the Lord will heal the sick brought about by the A (H1N1) Virus. That God will grant wisdom to Doctors so that they may find a cure that will stop the spread of the disease. Let us pray to the Lord; and/or May god strengthen us and assure us in our fears. May he grant healing to those afflicted with the A (H1N1) Virus. And may he send us his help and protection. Let us pray to the Lord.
According to Medicinet.com, “the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus that has infected humans is a novel influenza A. This virus is resistant to the antiviral medications amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine), but is sensitive to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).” “Investigations of these cases suggest that on-going human-to-human swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is occurring.
Although uncomplicated influenza-like illness (fever, cough or sore throat) has been reported in many cases, mild respiratory illness (nasal congestion, rhinorrhea) without fever and occasional severe disease also has been reported. Other symptoms reported with swine influenza A virus infection include vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, headache, chills, fatigue, and dyspnea. Conjunctivitis is rare, but has been reported. Severe disease (pneumonia, respiratory failure) and fatal outcomes have been reported with swine influenza A virus infection. The potential for exacerbation of underlying chronic medical conditions or invasive bacterial infection with swine influenza A virus infection should be considered.”
“Persons with swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection should be considered potentially contagious for up to 7 days following illness onset. Persons who continue to be ill longer than 7 days after illness onset should be considered potentially contagious until symptoms have resolved. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. The duration of infectiousness might vary by swine influenza A (H1N1) virus strain. Non-hospitalized ill persons who are a confirmed or suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection are recommended to stay at home (voluntary isolation) for at least the first 7 days after illness onset except to seek medical care.”