How to Keep Your Church Healthy During Flu Season

History shows that flu season can be uncomfortable at best and deadly at worst. That’s why it’s important prepare yourself and your congregation for the coughing and sneezing that’s sure to start in October. Most people would agree that taking care of your physical health is essential if you want to enjoy all that life has to offer. When it comes to flu season, it’s easier to start preparing earlier than later. That’s good because it will give your church family more time to start using the tips in this article. Now, some people will say they never get sick, but it’s better to be prepared for the upcoming flu season and these tips will help you do just that.

Protect Yourself With a Flu Shot
If you want to decrease the chances of getting the flu in the first place, you can get a flu shot. Most walk-in clinics and medical offices make them available at the beginning of October when flu season starts. This vaccine is now available as a shot or a nasal spray and protects against three to four flu strains. Now, if you really want to get the most from your flu shot you should get early. That’s because this vaccine is most effective for people who haven’t been exposed to the flu virus this year. If the only thing that’s stopping you from getting a flu shot is time constraints due to your many responsibilities at your church, then make an appointment. This will keep you out of the long line and prevent any hiccups in your schedules. You can always bring a notebook with you to work on your next sermon while you’re in the waiting room.

Keep Your Hands Clean
When flu season starts, take time throughout the day to wash your hands. Simple advice? Sure, but it’s effective because clean hands means a healthier environment. That’s because this is one way to stop the spread of germs and only requires hot water, soap, and 20 seconds in front of a sink. If you’re on the run you can always use hand sanitizer. When you think about it, it’s easy to imagine why this works. People use their hands all day from eating to shaking hands with their friends. When they’re at church they are hugging their friends and shaking hands with newcomers. During flu season, that’s still going on, except now people are coughing and sneezing. When flu season starts you can always put bottles of hand sanitizers in your church with a friendly reminder to use them before worship time begins.

Keep Germs at Bay
While it’s a good idea to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, you don’t have to use your hand to do it. Instead, sneeze into your elbow to decrease the amount of the germs you spread around. It’s still recommended that you wash your elbows as you would wash your hands. When you think of all the people you shake hands with, you can see why this is a good idea. You should also avoid touching doorknobs in public bathrooms. You may wash your hands, but that doesn’t mean everyone does. If contact with the doorknob cannot be avoided, use a paper towel when touching it. To facilitate this idea at your church, simply put a wastebasket close to the bathroom so people can easily dispose of the paper towels they use to open the door.

Most people would agree that it’s difficult to avoid contact with the rest of the human population during flu season. This is especially true if you’re active in your church. However, getting a flu shot, effective hand washing practices, sneezing into the elbow, and wiping down commonly used public items are all very easy to accomplish. Just be sure to make an appointment for your flu shot and stock up on hand sanitizer. All of those tips are simple. Just actively remind your congregants that if they follow them they can decrease the chances of getting sick at their house of worship.

*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.

Justin enjoys learning about the world around him and sharing the information he finds with others.  His interests vary from self-improvement to geeky marketing information (he’s the owner of a local marketing company). You can usually find him spending time with his wife, their 2 dogs, and their cat, because he believes that every day is a blessing and you should spend it with the people you love.  For more information visit: tcurgentcare.com/port-st-lucie.