How Churches are Dealing with the Flu Pandemic

Living here in Atlanta I interact with several people who work for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters. I don't talk to the top doctorss and executives but the normal folks there. Of course I inquired about H1N1 (the flu formerly known as swine but that was an insult to good barbecue!).  I asked about the myths versus realities. "Come on, level with us" I asked.

 

The basic response:

1. The media have overhyped the dangers for most of the U.S. I  paraphrase here "That's not neccesarily bad but as an illustration, we are at about a 3 on a 10 scale in the U.S. and the media is playing it as a 6 or 7." Let's face it, news organizations make their money getting people to watch,  and scary headlines sell. 

I read today that CNN is hoping to extend the story through sweeps ratings season. But I am cynical here.

2. Take normal precautions, not extreme precautions. The simple measures - washing hands often, covering your mouth when coughing, etc., are all that is required at this time.

3. Stay home from work or school or church if you have flu symptoms, and don't return for two days after symptoms disappear.

4. Go to the hospital only if you have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing.

Frankly, these are the same cautions you'll find on most medical sites, including the CDC's.

What about Churches?

 

Leadership Network's research director Warren Bird has been spot checking a bunch of churches, especially ones in high vulnerability areas. Here's what he's learning:

 

o Many are developing a plan in case the flu becomes more widespread.

o Most are addressing the issue via email, website, or initial message when answering the church phone. Messages are calming, clear, and specific.

o No one we monitored canceled church services, but a very few did cancel social events that involved children.

 

Things to Think About

1. Should childcare workers wear masks for their own protection or to increase confidence of the parents of children? It might provide a little protection for nursery workers because children can't tell you they are sick but it would probably also increase unwarranted concerns at this time.  In general, masks are probably a good idea for health care professionals and family members who come in close contact with flu patients. But health officials currently say there is no need for the general public to wear them. 

2 . What about skipping the welcome time in shaking hands, hugging and "greeting one another with a brotherly kiss?" That one got a laugh when I asked my CDC friends. Answer: Advise those that have symptons or think they have symptons to stay home. Otherwise the social contact at church is similar to other social settings congregants would encounter throughout the week. 

3. I forgot to ask about Communion/Eucharist/Lord’s Supper because that is not my tradition to celebrate that weekly but there have been numerous news stories about Catholic Archdiocese’s advising on that subject. A google search will turn those up.

 

 

That's the perspective as of today. It may get worse and it may get better. Please add your comments of how your church is handling the situation. 

 

The CDC’s web site about the flu is here: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Dave Travis
Managing Director
Leadership Network