Coronavirus Prevention Tips – How to Avoid Cross-Contamination

Although it’s at the forefront of everyone’s mind, and panic seems to be widespread, much is still unknown about COVID-19, the coronavirus that is spreading rapidly across the globe.

As we navigate through this pandemic, disinfection is the recommended preventative advice, and boosting the immune system is also a good idea.

Although some guidelines are changing the way we socialize, shop, and prepare, the protocols for prevention have stayed the same. We know to wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water, sneeze or cough into the crook of our elbow joint, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and wipe down surfaces with antimicrobial, disinfecting wipes or sprays. Keeping a clean environment and using proper hygiene is the best defense for everyone. At the time of this article, it is recommended to stay 3 feet away from others and use common sense when it comes to cross-contamination. However, many individuals are not as familiar with cross-contamination procedures as medical professionals and healthcare workers.

Here are a 3 Things to Keep in Mind Concerning Cross-Contamination:
#1 It’s thought that COVID-19 can last on surfaces for a few hours to a few days, depending on the environmental factors. An example of this would be, if you touch the handle of the grocery cart or use a keypad at the checkout line, it’s important not to touch your face (or anyone else’s) until you can sanitize or wash your hands. Also, consider wiping down your car door handle, steering wheel, cell phone, and whatever else you’ve touched with unclean hands or that you think might have been contaminated.

#2 Sneezes and coughs are obviously airborne germs flying through the air. If you are near someone that is sneezing without covering their nose and mouth, those particles are traveling at 6-foot intervals and record speed. It’s also unknown exactly how long the particles will hover in the air, but on average, they can remain airborne for approximately 45 minutes. Respiratory droplets can also land anywhere on your body, including the mouth and nose of those nearby and it’s definitely ending up on the floor or ground. This is another reason why it’s a good idea to remove your shoes before entering your home. Typically, with most respiratory viruses, people are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).

#3 Disinfecting surfaces is also something to consider regarding cross-contamination. If you spray a disinfectant on a countertop, table, handle, remote control, or any other surface or object that has viruses or bacteria, the back-spray can go into your face. That’s why healthcare workers are trained to wipe surfaces first with disinfectants before spraying. An example is, if you are using paper towel and a disinfectant spray, it’s best to spray the towel first and then wipe down the surface with the wet paper towel.

#4 Social distancing is an intervention used to “flatten the curve” which refers to reducing a rapid spike of cases. By spreading the number of new cases over a longer time, there is better chance for healthcare teams to respond effectively. A rapid spike in cases could potentially overwhelm healthcare infrastructure. If we abide by the social distancing recommendations and hygiene, we will see the virus taper off and phase out much quicker than if we continue our lives unchanged. Take this time to enjoy quality time with your family, help neighbors in need (drop off food or toilet paper at their doorstep), and stop the spread of this very contagious virus.

Proper Hand Washing
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Are You Caring for Someone That’s Ill?
If you are caring for someone at home that is sick, it’s important to self-contain and also to take extra precaution to keep the environment as clean as possible. Use gloves to clean up tissues, glasses, plates, and utensils. It’s also a good idea to use gloves while doing their laundry and you might want to consider wearing a mask since many times people forget to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Compromised Immunity
Young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, and adults 65 and over are more susceptible to the dangers of the flu and COVID-19, as their symptoms can quickly exacerbate into pneumonia or other disease states. As the immune system becomes weaker, the ability to fight off viruses and bacteria becomes more difficult and problematic. It’s critical to stay healthy and boost the immune system; that’s why, along with good hygiene and avoiding large crowds, so many people are also looking into preventative treatment methods.

Preventative methods are a personal choice, but standard information is getting quality sleep, limiting stress, social distancing, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and considering supplementing with vitamins or herbal remedies of your choice.

Integrative Pain Management of Naples Is Taking Extra Precaution for Patient’s Safety
Dr. Ranasinghe has implemented telemedicine as well as a strict in-office protocol to keep her patients safe via social distancing:
• Each patient waits in their car until the previous patient has exited the building
• A staff member tells patients when they can enter the office
• The office staff is meticulously disinfecting all surfaces and rooms between patient care
• There is no patient to patient interaction
• Telemedicine visits are recommended to patients, whereby patients can visit with Dr. Ranasinghe via a video chat without having to leave their homes

Chaturani Ranasinghe, M.D.
Dr. Chaturani Ranasinghe is a double board-certified Anesthesiologist and Interventional Pain Medicine physician. Dr. Ranasinghe is educated and experienced in all aspects of pain

management, including the entire range of pain management procedures, including Radiofrequency ablation procedures and Spinal Cord Stimulation. However, she began to notice a trend in her patient’s own request for more holistic options for pain relief. She took it upon herself to learn and utilize acupuncture in her treatments and incorporated other alternative healing methods into her management of pain. Her decision to open a facility in Naples is founded on enabling the patient to be highly involved in a truly integrated approach.

With her knowledge and the use of advanced medicine, she has been able to help many patients who had little hope of a functional life. Dr. Ranasinghe consistently works to bring patients the education they need as she believes that well-educated patients have the best chance for pain-free lifestyles.

To schedule your appointment, please call 239-234-2448, or to learn more, please visit their website at ipmnaples.com.

Integrative Pain Management of Naples
1855 Veterans Park Drive, Suite 304
Naples FL 34109

239.234.2448
www.ipmnaples.com