PRACTICE HEALTHY HABITS

HELP TO KEEP THE YMCA COMMUNITY HEALTHY AND SAFE FOR ALL

At the YMCA, we take the health and safety of our members, staff, and community very seriously. While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses typically circulate during the fall and winter during what’s known as the flu season. Please help us reduce the spread of germs and viruses by taking the following precautions and measures.

Flu Symptoms:

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • fever* or feeling feverish/chills
    • *It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle or body aches
  • headaches
  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

What should I do while I’m sick?

Please refrain from going to the Y. Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. If you must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a facemask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.

How long should I stay home if I’m sick?

CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®. Until then, you should stay home from the Y, work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.

Period of Contagiousness:

You may be able to spread flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as when you are sick with symptoms.

  • People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins.
  • Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.
  • Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

Tips to Help You Stay Healthy This Flu Season:

  • Get a flu vaccine.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Germs spread this way.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs that can cause respiratory illnesses like the flu.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, limit your contact with others as much as possible so you don’t spread your infection to them.

Thank you for doing your part to keep our YMCA community safe and healthy!

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