Swine Flu: advice‏ and prayers

From today, all UK households will receive leaflets giving information about influenza A/H1N1 ('swine flu') and advice on how to prevent its spread. The advice is the same as for regular flu: use clean tissues when you cough or sneeze; bin tissues after use; and wash hands with soap, hot water or gel.

The Church of England has published the following selection of prayers for use in churches from this weekend, in light of the developing situation:

Heavenly Father,
giver of life and health:
comfort and restore those who are sick,
that they may be strengthened in their weakness
and have confidence in your unfailing love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Creator and Father of all,
we pray for those who are ill.
Bless them, and those who serve their needs,
that they may put their whole trust in you
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.