Okay, it’s time. It’s time for me to weigh in on this lunacy known as Coronavirus. I’m not a doctor, I’m not an Epidemiologist, I am however, a CST, a Surgical Tech. No one knows more about infection control and cross contam than we do! I feel it’s time to do a little PSA and maybe clear up some myths that are running rampant out there. Hopefully, you will learn something. Buckle up, this is long.

First let me tell you why I’m qualified to throw this advice around. As a Scrub Tech. I create and maintain a sterile field for all surgical environments, (yes including you when you’re the patient) I have to be excellent at my job, there is absolutely no margin for error. If I am prepping your surgery, you want the best Aseptic Technique trained staff. Your health and well being depend on it. No, this isn’t me gloating, this is FACT! You see, I am trained to see things differently than most, even some doctors and nurses. I am trained to see everything and everyone as contaminated. And yes this makes everyday off duty life an absolute fun house of public ignorance is bliss. The average Joe honestly, doesn’t have a clue the harm they subject themselves to daily just with subpar hygiene…let alone a viral pandemic.

Having said all this, let’s talk PPE. Personal Protective Equipment.

GLOVES– Insert deep sigh here. As someone who teaches Hand Hygiene, this is the thing in all of this craziness that makes me cringe the most! Two words…Cross. Contamination!! Your gloves are not protecting you. Unless you have a box of them that you’re carrying around all day and are changing them after everything you touch in public, honestly, don’t bother. They are a false sense of security. But okay, I get it Walmart Karen, they make you feel like you’re doing SOMETHING right? So fine, wear your gloves if you must. But please remember these rules…DO NOT TOUCH your child, hair, face, cellphone, shirt, adjust your pants, tie your shoes, dig in your purse, touch your wallet, credit card, keys, and Jesus take the wheel, eat with them on! (I’ve witnessed this) Refer back to the two words CROSS CONTAMINATION! If you do any of the aforementioned things while still wearing said gloves, you have done yourself no good.

WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN

DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE

MASKS-The CDC has issued a statement for everyone to wear a mask in public. The only masks that are rated to effectively block droplets and particles are N-95, (95%) and only if worn properly. So here’s a little enlightenment. All healthcare workers are actually fit tested for the proper size N-95 that healthcare facilities are required to provide easy access to. The straps need to be placed and worn properly, they are extremely snug and not at all comfortable enough for the general public to walk around in to grocery shop. So, when I see Walmart Karen wearing one, and it’s covering everything but her eyes…yep, you guessed it, useless! Not to mention a waste of masks for people who really need them, frontline healthcare workers! Now let’s back up a minute to the whole CDC mask statement thing. Remember when I said that I was trained to see everything as contaminated? That’s basically what the CDC is saying in issuing that order. They are assuming everyone is contaminated if they are symptomatic or not, and the masks are to help control the possible ongoing contamination of surfaces and aerosol droplets from coughs and sneezing. (And breathing) so the masks are for the person next to you and behind you (6 feet hopefully) protection. They are not protecting you from breathing in anything. Masks are designed to be single use. If you are using handmade cloth masks, wash them daily.

Daily Decontam at Home- Okay, you’ve ventured out to get milk and eggs or formula and done a TP recon run, now I’m back home. Now what? First and foremost, SHOES STAY OUTSIDE! Shoes are gross without a full on pandemic. Why would you track everywhere you’ve been into your home? If you have an attached garage and won’t scar anyone for life by stripping down before entering, do it. If not, remove your street clothes ASAP and do not sit on your furniture. Shower (especially if you live with someone who is high risk)

Daily you should wipe down all touch points with a bleach solution. This includes door knobs, light switches, refrigerator, stove, microwave handles, pantry and cabinet doors, tables, counters, washer and dryer panels, anything with touch screens, toilet handles, faucets,etc. mop floors daily.

Quarantine-Do yourselves a favor, turn off social media for a while everyday and just do something else, read a book, go for a walk, anything. Your sanity is going to depend on it. Get your stats and info from the CDC. Those are the only numbers I trust. Stay home! That’s all I have to say about that.

Well I think that covers lesson one “The Basics” Please if any of my medical colleagues think of anything I’ve forgotten or have anything to add, please do and share.

I hope this was helpful.

I know these are crazy, scary, unprecedented, uncertain times. I promise we will all get through this together……(6 feet apart)

Stay healthy and safe everyone.

M.

PS. No Karen’s were harmed in making this blog! 😉😷