There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a surgical mask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are not sick wear a surgical mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Surgical masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
- The use of surgical masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- It is also important to note that surgical masks should be removed before leaving the patient’s room and should not be worn while traveling throughout the hospital.
- Remember to practice great hand hygiene.
- 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.
TELEMEDICINE
The use of telemedicine will play an important part in prevention. While we cannot test through virtual visits, we can help keep patients who do not need COVID-19 screening out of the emergency rooms. In addition, telemedicine allows our practitioners to screen patients (when appropriate) outside a patient room. We will also be utilizing telemedicine clinics via EPIC for those patients who cannot (or should not) come to a doctor’s office during periods of isolation. More information on telemedicine will be forthcoming.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) FAQ
Q: Which health care workers should wear N95 masks around patients?
A: We will wear them around patients we are screening and those with confirmed illness.
Q: What is the appropriate way to use a N95 mask?
A: Click here for the information from infection prevention on the appropriate use of the N-95. Wearing surgical masks for “protection” is improper use of these masks and sends incorrect messages to colleagues, patients and visitors.
Q: How many times can a N95 mask be used?
A: The N95 mask can be worn up to five times as long as a face shield is used, unless contaminated, torn, or wet.
Q: Will everyone be provided with a N95?
A: No. Our N95 supply will be saved for those health care providers who treat patients who require respiratory precautions.
Q: What happens if we run out of N95?
A: We have powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) that can be reused and cleaned. We don’t expect a shortage.
Q: Will wearing a surgical mask protect me from COVID-19?
A: No, surgical masks are worn to protect the patient from any germs the caregiver might transmit. If you are ill, you should stay home.
Q: How many times can a surgical mask be used?
A: A surgical mask is single-use and is used for droplet precautions. Discard the surgical mask in the patient’s room before exiting.
MORE INFORMATION
For our full COVID-19 FAQ, click here. The Centers for Disease Control has also created a robust website with information about the virus.
We’ve also created a special hotline number for physicians and employees who have urgent or general questions related to COVID-19. The hotline number is 346.356.2222. You may also email your questions to askCOVID@houstonmethodist.org.
Just a friendly reminder, if you are ever approached by members of the media regarding our patients that are either here or have been released, please remind them that: Patient confidentiality is a priority here, and we do not release information about any patients at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.
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