Gyms are hot beds of biological activity. For a start, gyms and health clubs are often crammed full of exercisers who are sweating, exchanging equipment and sharing showers, saunas and locker rooms. Some of these gym members may be carrying transmissible bacterial or viral diseases — knowingly or unknowingly.
Even in the absence of a threatening influenza epidemic like H1N1 flu (formerly swine flu), you should take basic hygiene precautions. It may pay to be even more cautious when exercising in a gym or similar facility when a disease like H1N1 flu is known to be active.
Below are a few basic facts about H1N1 flu transmission from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Get additional analysis from Dr Ingrid Koo at the infectious diseases site.
Basic Facts About H1N1 Flu Transmission
- Can I get infected with this new H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get this new HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. - How does this new H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of this H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Basic Things You Can Do to Protect Yourself
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick, CDC recommends that you stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
Hygiene at the Gym - What You Can Do
Follow the broad advice above and encourage gym managers to implement a more vigilant hygiene policy if they have not already done so. This will have numerous safety advantages for you and your fellow gym members.
Don’t panic, exercise sensibly, eat well, rest well, wash your hands frequently and follow the basic precautions listed above and there’s no reason why you can’t continue to enjoy your gym and exercise program. It might even help you stay healthy.
