Human Swine Influenza Pandemic
The YMCA encourages all members and participants to take precautions to protect their health and those around them.
- Recognize the symptoms of H1N1
- Stay home if you or your child are unwell
- Wash your hands
- Get your H1N1 vaccination
We are doing our part to reduce the spread of H1N1 by increasing our cleaning, providing hand sanitizing stations, and educating our staff, members and participants.
Stop the spread of infection
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water or hand sanitizer
- Cover your nose and mouth with your arm or sleeve when you cough or sneeze
- Clean and disinfect toys, work surfaces, and fitness equipment before and after use
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Stay home if you are unwell
- Keep your children home if they are unwell
Frequently Asked Questions for YMCA Families
People who become infected with the pandemic H1N1 influenza show a wide range of symptoms that range from minimal symptoms to experiencing serious illness. The majority will recover without needing a visit with their doctor, in less than a week, although fatigue and cough can last longer.
Although it is a personal choice, it is recommended that all Canadians get the H1N1 Vaccine.
What is H1N1 flu Virus?
This virus, previously called "human swine flu" is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.
Will the YMCA be closed if there is a case of H1N1 flu virus?
At this time, YMCA closures are not anticipated for H1N1 flu, just as they would not occur for seasonal flu. Public health officials will consider each situation as it occurs.
Should my child stay home from the YMCA?
Children who are healthy can attend programs. If your child is exhibiting influenza-like illness (ILI), please keep them home for the protection of themselves as well as those with whom they come into contact at the YMCA.
What measures does the YMCA have in place to protect my child?
YMCA members or staff exhibiting symptoms will be separated from other members/participants and parents will be asked to pick them up. This will help prevent the transmission of the virus to other participants and staff. The YMCA is advising the following to all staff and members:
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer
• Cough and sneeze into your arm or sleeve
• Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if sick
• Talk to a health professional if you experience severe flu-like symptoms
At sign-in, children exhibiting symptoms will not be admitted to program. If children become ill during programs, they will be isolated and a parent called for early pick up.
I think my child has been in contact with someone who was ill with this virus. What do I do?
If your child is feeling well, he or she can go to YMCA programs and continue regular activities. You should contact your doctor for further assessment if your child has flu symptoms and is:
• Under the age of five
• Five years and older with a chronic medical problem such as heart disease or asthma
Your doctor will tell you what you need to do and advise you of possible treatment needs.
What measures are taken to disinfect common indoor areas and bathrooms at the YMCA?
YMCA sanitary practices and precautionary measures.
Will any programming be cancelled?
Planned activities will continue at this time.
Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website: www.fightflu.ca or contact your local public health department or local health care professional:
City of Hamilton Public Health
Tel: 905-546-2424 x. 7970
H1N1flu@hamilton.ca
Halton Region Public Health
Tel: 905-825-6000
accesshalton@halton.ca
Brant County Health Unit
Tel: 519-753-4937
email@bchu.org
YMCA Safeguards to Protect Your Health
Hand Sanitizing Stations
Highly visible hand sanitizing stations are available and encouraged to be used by all participants, parents, staff and volunteers:
• Upon each entry and exit from a program area
• Prior to eating
• After coughing or sneezing
• After bathroom use
Cleaning Program Surfaces
YMCA staff use a disinfectant cleaner to clean all table tops, chairs, program surfaces and door handles at the beginning and end of each program. Gloves are worn while cleaning all program supplies and surfaces.
Cleaning Toys and Program Equipment
• All hard surface toys (i.e. Fisher Price kitchen units, Lego blocks, puzzle pieces, pool toys, basketballs) will be cleaned using a disinfectant cleaner, at the beginning and end of each program by staff.
• Porous pool equipment such as pool noodles and flutter boards remain sanitized by submersion in chlorinated pool water or spraying them with a chlorine/water solution equivalent to standard pool chemistry.
• All program equipment will be rinsed with water prior to returning to program usage. Gloves are worn while cleaning all program supplies and surfaces.
If you have a question about how the YMCA is protecting your health please speak with a Program Supervisor or General Manager.
