Faith Community Nurses, clergy and lay ministers of health are trusted by the people of the congregation and community. The foundation of our faith encourages caring for our bodies as temples of God and loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Our common beliefs and values lead us to trust in God and care for one another. Win this context, we have to opportunity to encourage people to get the flu vaccination by providing factual information about the benefit of the flu vaccine.
 
Influenza is spread from person to person primarily through inhalation of infected droplets when a person coughs, sneezes, or speaks even before one has symptoms.  People can infect others up to seven days after they start feeling ill.
 
The most common symptoms are fever, cough, body aches and headache, and most people recover without complications. For the vulnerable population, research shows that illness due to the flu can cause hospitalization and death as well as secondary increases in heart attacks and stroke.  This is a compelling reason to get a flu shot!

Those who are at high risk of complications from the flu include:

• Young children aged 6 months through 59 months
• Adults over age 50
• People with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, immune compromising conditions
• Pregnant women
• Nursing home residents
• Caregivers such as healthcare workers and those caring for very young children

The most effective way to protect yourself and others from influenza is to get vaccinated. In the reality of the Coronavirus Pandemic, experts recommend getting your flu shot by the end of October.  We all must continue to wash your hands, keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth, cover your cough, stay home if you are sick, and due to COVID-19, wear a mask.
 
One pastor decided to teach handwashing while singing the doxology.  Maybe you would like to try it? Wash your hands Sing the Doxology
 
Remember, it takes two weeks to develop maximum immune response from the flu vaccine. Those over 65 years of age should not delay vaccination to find a particular vaccine, they should be vaccinated with an age-appropriate vaccine that is available. Get the word out.  Prevent flu, get vaccinated. 

Resources for Flu Vaccination Information

CDC Flu Information

CDC Print Ready Materials

Talking to Patients about Influenza Vaccine

Wash your hands Sing the Doxology

Photo by the CDC for Unsplash