Bloomington churches fight H1N1 flu

Just like students can spread the H1N1 virus by sharing a drink at a bar, the virus can also spread by taking a sip of the blood of Christ during communion at church.

Many churches are taking precautions so the virus doesn’t spread through practices like the Holy Eucharist, or communion rite, which churches around campus participate.

Hugh Jessop, executive director of the IU Health Center, said it’s a good idea to take extra precautions when partaking in the ritual, on both the parochial and congregational side.

St. John the Apostle Catholic Church discontinued the use of the cup through January because of the virus.

The offices of St. Charles Borromeo Church have also taken precautions and posted in their bulletins that it’s up to parishioners if they want to drink the wine, but there have been no other changes. 

Lynne Snyder, secretary at the Evangelical Community Church, noted recent additions to the church to promote healthy habits among churchgoers.

“Hand sanitizer has been added in the bathrooms,” she said. “The children’s director has tried to keep the children’s room extra clean.”

The healthy habits that the Evangelical Community Church promotes are nothing new, as the church has tried to keep things healthy by serving juice in single cups during its earlier service, instead of using a communal cup as other churches do. Snyder said older people tend to go to this service.

For the second and third services, however, the rite is somewhat different, as parishioners rip a loaf of bread and dip a piece into a cup of juice.

These services are attended mostly by the younger age groups, but there is no real contact when taking communion as opposed to other services at other parishes in which the priest directly places communion in the mouth of the parishioners. 

“It’s a step in the right direction,” Jessop said. “Not everyone in a church is healthy. You have to take a look at what is good for the group.” 

Jessop reminds everyone to remember the basics when it comes to stopping the spread of any flu. 

“Cough into your arms and wash your hands,” he said. “You can still spread the virus before you know you have it, especially the flu, which can be spread about 24 hours before you know you have it.”