MISSION--Churchgoers at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Mission say the flu isn't keeping them out of church.

However, they are taking steps to stay healthy.

Church goer Sally Avila isn't taking any chances.

"I wash my hands before and when I leave church, I wash them again before I do anything else," said Sally Avila.

She said she also carries hand sanitizer.

That's not the only precaution she's taking.

"I've got my kids taking a particular vitamin, and I use vitamin c everyday...everyday I take it," said Avila.

One thing she's noticed people in the congregation are doing differently since the flu season began,

"I've noticed people not shaking completely," said Avila.

Father Roy Snipes, Pastor at the church said he's noticed the same thing.

"If you want to shake hands, and somebody doesn't want to shake hands, they just kind of pat them on the shoulder," said Father Roy.

Father Roy said they haven't done much to prevent the flu.

He's noticed a number of people using hand sanitizer now.

Father Roy said they may start to clean out the holy water bowls more frequently.

One thing they do that prevents the spread of illnesses is not letting everyone drink out of the same cup during communion.

"Even before the flu outbreak, several doctors have just kind of gently told me, 'I don't want to tell you how to do your business, but that could be contagious.' A lot of diseases could be spread that way, especially here on the border," said Father Roy.

Father Roy said he hasn't noticed a huge absence on Sundays.

He hoped everyone can stay healthy throughout the rest of the flu season.

Father Roy said a woman who attends his church was hospitalized for the flu for a week.