Published: October 04, 2009 10:51 pm      

Flu season has folks thinking twice

Some use hand sanitizer, limit contact to avoid illness

CUMBERLAND — It’s that that time of year again, flu season, and with the H1N1 virus thrown into the mix, people are starting to take a little more precaution to avoid getting sick.

Eric Wilson, owner of Mother’s Fudgery on Oak Street, was a prime example as he sat at his booth at Sunday’s Bargains on the Bricks community yard sale downtown, armed with his bottle of hand sanitizer.

“I have it here at the stand and at the store,” he said. “I also wash my hands more often and always wash my hands after handling money.”

And though he isn’t planning on getting a flu or H1N1 vaccination shot, he said he is a bit more cautious this season because of the different strand of swine flu going around. He also has a 6-year-old daughter, who will be getting the vaccination through the school system, but who he also tries to set an example for when it comes to hygiene and health.

Downtown Manager Ed Mullaney is working on staying healthy this season, even taking advantage of Wilson’s sanitizer.

“Doing everything that we’re advised to do, washing my hands and making sure my mouth and nose are covered whenever I sneeze or cough,” he said. “At the office we make sure to have soap in the rest rooms to encourage people to wash their hands, that sort of thing. I will probably get a flu shot, too.”

However, the potential for illness isn’t deterring Mullaney from giving a new face a welcoming hand shake or an old friend a hug.

“It’s probably wise to avoid physical contact but I think it’s more of coming to a social comfort level,” he said. “I remember when people were first beginning to ask others ‘mind if I smoke?’ Now we need to learn to be comfortable saying, ‘I’d like to greet you with a handshake or hug, but lets stay healthy.’”

Marilyn Martin of Centerville, Pa., said she also isn’t hesitant to shake hands or give a friend a hug.

“I know that if I shake a friend’s hand or give them a hug I can wash my hands when given the first opportunity,” she said. “I’m also a nurse so as a hospital employee I am very conscious of the importance of frequent hand washing and health precautions. And if I get sick I know I need to stay home until I’m healthy.”

The general public and school systems aren’t the only ones taking precautions. In May, the Archdiocese of Baltimore recommended that Holy Communion be received by hand only and to suspend physical contact during the sign of peace. The Catholic church was also increasing attention to hand washing and sterilization of sacred vessels.

Father Jim Kurtz of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church said the church has some things in place for the Extraordinary Ministers for Eucharist such as having them washing their hands before coming up for Communion and having sanitizers for their hands before administering the cup.

“They’re also supposed to wipe the rim and rotate the cup before each communicant. And people are free to take the cup or not, it’s up to them and what they’re comfortable with,” he said.

The church is also giving out recommendations to the faithful, such as staying at home if they are sick or feel ill.

“During the sign of peace at Mass, we tell people to do what they’re comfortable with,” Kurtz said. “Some are comfortable giving a hug or shaking hands, others just give a nod and a smile. We leave it up to the people whether or not they want to participate.”

On Sept. 20, Bishop Mitchell Rozanski, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, published recommendations in the Parish Bulletin. The Archdiocese has also posted its list of recommendation online at www.archbalt.org

Contact Tess Hill at thill@times-news.com.