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Health

What precautions do you take if working while sick?

July 01, 1995

Since I am a salon owner/nail technician, getting sick is a luxury I can’t afford. 

Answer

If I’m really sick, I don’t come in.  I rarely miss days, so my clients know if I cancel it’s something serious.  I recently needed a few weeks off for surgery so I rescheduled my clients with nail technicians I thought they would feel comfortable with. If I feel I’m getting sick, I’ll wear a mask in addition to my usual gloves.-Kaye Osterman, The Blades Salon, Wichita, Kansas

After my client and I wash our hands with soap and water before the service, I always have both of us use a rinseless skin cleanser/hand sanitizer.  If I have to blow my nose or sneeze during the service, I will reapply the hand sanitizer  I always call my scheduled clients the day that I am sick and give them the option of rescheduling.-Lori Ribar, Perfect 10 Nails, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Since I am a salon owner/nail technician, getting sick is a luxury I can’t afford.  I have a full clientele who depend on me to do their nails on their appointed day.  If I am sick, I take every precaution possible (face mask, gloves…the works) to ensure my customers get a germ-free atmosphere.-Georgette Delisle, New Life Nail & Hair Salon, Greenacres, Florida

If I’m sick, I don’t work because it’s not good for the customers or for me.  By working sick, you just wear yourself down and spread germs around the work environment.  I try to stay healthy by eating right and exercising.  I’ll take vitamins if I think I’m coming down with something, but if I feel like I’ve been hit by a Mack truck, I call my clients and reschedule.  They’re always understanding.-Loretta Pleitner, Suddenly Nails, Largo, Florida

If I have to work, I’ll wear gloves and a mask.  I prefer the gauze masks from my local paint store to the masks from the surgical supply house.-Lori Sarto, Trendsetters Salon, Elgin, Illinois

Usually I don’t work when I’m sick, although over Christmas, I had no choice.  I always wear gloves when I work, but if I’m sick or my client is sick, I’ll wear a mask, too.-Gale Meyer, Gale's Nail Perfection, Vernon Hills, Illinois

I don’t work when I’m sick.-Helga Patterson, Avatar Salon, Richland Hills, Texas

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