Dear Members

Over the past few months various media outlets have reported on the Swine Flu Pandemic which is spread via close human contact usually by airborne molecules after an individual coughs or sneezes.

One important factor to understand is that we do not have to panic and respond by becoming socially paranoid every time we observe someone exhibiting ‘flu’ like symptoms.

Please adopt a common sense approach because this time of year individuals will contract the seasonal flu, which superficially will be difficult to differentiate.

If you are beginning to exhibit signs of becoming unwell with the ‘flu’ then consider a course of action to minimise the possibility of further transmission.

Adopt the usual precautions of covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. (Yes that’s obvious but do you really do it?)

Wash your hands regularly.

Have a week off from training, the gym would be a great area of sharing the bugs.

As weird as it sounds; Prefer not to share your water bottles.

Finally try to avoid close personal contact. This is a tough one but the literature suggests we should maintain a distance of one meter to minimise the risk. I’m not sure how the Rugby or Footy will survive.

Common sense will prevail.

If you have just returned from a Melbourne ‘Junket’ then please take note of your own body and if you develop any symptoms please respect the literary advice and stay at home for five days.

I have posted some further information on our club website if only to highlight other points of view. Please be reassured that this virus can be as mild as the seasonal flu however viruses mutate and can create havoc with vulnerable persons with an existing illness or general poor health.

Take care

Mark Hills
President