Stay Healthy through the Flu Season

The YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County recognizes the importance of maintaining safe, efficient and healthy facilities for members and staff. To protect the safety and health of all members and employees, we have established the following practice regarding illness transmission prevention.

The most important step in combating disease and infection is prevention

By taking proper precautions, practicing good hygiene and diet the risk of contracting a disease or infection is reduced. These include:

• Practicing “respiratory etiquette” or good health manners by:
• Covering your nose and mouth when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.
• Hand washing and sanitation:
• Thoroughly wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 15-30 seconds.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (of 60% or greater) are also effective.
• Keep hands away from the eyes, nose and mouth to help avoid exposure to infection.
• Personal prevention:
• Try to avoid close contact with sick or infected individuals.
• Stay home if you are symptomatic or infectious.
• See a doctor if you need to.
• Take care of cuts, scrapes, sores and open wounds, with soap and water and keep dry and covered with a bandage until healed.
• Do not share items such as towels, lipsticks, make-up, razors, toothbrushes, toys and other items that may be contaminated.
• Do not share food, utensils or beverage containers with others.