Waving of handkerchiefs at church could spread H1N1 Flu

Cape Coast, April 8, GNA - Dr. Joseph Nuertey, Cape Coast Metropolitan Director of Health Services has appealed to the public to take practical steps to curtail the spread of the H1N1 influenza, such as covering one's mouth while sneezing or coughing.

He said the influenza, which was a communicable disease could also be prevented if people adhere to basic hygienic practices such as washing of hands with soap and not waving handkerchiefs in public places including the churches.

Dr. Nuertey who made the appeal when he interacted with members of the Cape Coast branch of the Victory Bible Church explained that when infected persons get into contact with surfaces of objects they could leave the virus there to spread.

The educational campaign which followed one and half walk of the congregation through the principal streets of the town formed part of the 25th anniversary of the church.

"Personally, I have a problem with pastors who ask their congregation to wave their handkerchiefs because some people sneeze, spit and blow mucus into handkerchiefs," he emphasised.

He suggested the need for people attending church to endeavour to keep more than one handkerchief and use the clean one's for public display. Dr Nuertey said the incubation period of the H1N1 was seven days and that when an infected person was properly managed by health personnel he or she could be cured within 10 days. He therefore urged the public to be on the look out for any flu-like symptoms and report promptly to the health facilities near them for treatment. 8 April 10