YMCA Takes Additional Precautions Against H1N1 Virus

The H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) is a hot topic right now, and it no doubt is on the minds of many YMCA families. The safety and well-being of our YMCA children, parents and staff is a top priority.

Health experts have stressed that H1N1 is not cause for panic, but it is reason to step up preparedness. The YMCA Children and Family Services Division will take additional precautions in all licensed child care programs.

YMCA programs will continue to practice the following precautions on a daily basis:

• Equipment, tabletops, and doorknobs are disinfected daily.
• Children are educated about hand washing and cough etiquette.
• Staff is monitoring children for signs of illness and sending them home if they are sick.

In addition, the following is a Change of Policy effective immediately:

• If a child has any of the following symptoms of H1N1 (body aches, runny nose, sore throat and fever of 100 degrees or higher)  they will be required to remain home for at least 48 hours after the child’s fever has broken without medication to control symptoms. 
• Children with a fever but no other flu symptoms will be required to remain home for 24 hours after the child’s fever has broken without medication to control symptoms.  

In addition, the Center for Disease Control recently released recommendations for decreasing the spread of H1N1 Flu in child care settings. 

• Monitor your child for signs of illness and keep them at home when ill. 
• Do not allow your child to return to school until the child is fever-free for 48 hours.  
• Follow correct hand washing and cough etiquette. 
• Teach all in your family to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. 
• Frequently wash hands with soap and water, and /or use hand sanitizer.

We strongly encourage you to contact your pediatrician to discuss vaccinating your child for the flu and H1N1 (Swine Flu).

We understand that the flu season can be difficult for families. However, for the safety of all children we ask for your support in trying to prevent the spread of the flu by following these guidelines.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lisa Muntz, senior vice president of children and family services, 816.330.3603, or talk to the director of your child care center.