Anglican clergy in the Diocese of Chelmsford have been advised to empty their water stoups, where people bless themselves, until the H1N1 flu pandemic is over.

When people hear the word 'health' they think immediately of medical matters, says Juan Michel. But health is also an issue of clean drinking water, nutritious food, a safe work environment and essential care accessible at the community level - not least in a time of flu panics.

The Methodist Church has circulated guidance among church leaders in the event of an H1N1 flu pandemic in the UK. Anglican, Catholic, Free Church and independent church leaders are asking people not to overreact to the media hype.

While the impact of flu viruses and the issues surrounding them is making life increasingly difficult in Mexico, churches in the USA are seeking to respond rationally and with care to a situation where panic can be a major part of the problem.

Health promoters, community and church workers in Mexico are asking why people in their country are dying from swine flu, while wealthy countries panic and the virus spreads around the world. The answer, they say, is that the poor are always the first victims.