"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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H1N1 Flu and Equipment
Okay some of you may think I am nuts -- that is okay with me since my kids think I already am. :) LOL!!
As many of you know, I have purchased masks and equipment that have slightly used. I have no qualms about it. I have saved bunches of money doing this. It has allowed me to try many, many masks that I would have been unable to afford otherwise.
I haven't given it a second thought until now. Now I am wondering about the H1N1 flu.
It seems that there is much ado about this particular strain. I am unsure how much of the ado is reasonable and how much of it is simply our imaginations running rampant. Example remember the Y2K thing at the end of the last century (1999). There were all kinds of predications that the world would stop as we know it. Well, guess what much of it was pretty much unfounded and it didn't happen as predicated.
Anyway, my question is how long does this virus live on surfaces? If one would place masks parts in very hot water (not boiling) would that take care of the virus? Would a mild bleach bath help? I know there are disinfect products out there but would like to avoid them due to allergies.
As many of you know, I have purchased masks and equipment that have slightly used. I have no qualms about it. I have saved bunches of money doing this. It has allowed me to try many, many masks that I would have been unable to afford otherwise.
I haven't given it a second thought until now. Now I am wondering about the H1N1 flu.
It seems that there is much ado about this particular strain. I am unsure how much of the ado is reasonable and how much of it is simply our imaginations running rampant. Example remember the Y2K thing at the end of the last century (1999). There were all kinds of predications that the world would stop as we know it. Well, guess what much of it was pretty much unfounded and it didn't happen as predicated.
Anyway, my question is how long does this virus live on surfaces? If one would place masks parts in very hot water (not boiling) would that take care of the virus? Would a mild bleach bath help? I know there are disinfect products out there but would like to avoid them due to allergies.
Views: 24
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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Hey, I hadn't thought of doing a google search. Your information is great and I do appreciate the time it took for you to look it!! That is what is so amazing about this site, everyone tries to help out and looks out for each other.
The information you provided will be helpful in so many ways.
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Permalink Reply by 99 on
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Guide to a good hand washing technique
• Always wet hands thoroughly under warm running water before applying soap
• Apply liquid soap and lather well, following the technique shown above for at least 30 seconds
• Make sure your hands are slippy all over, palms, back of hands and in-between fingers using the six’s steps outlined above
• Rinse well using warm or hot making sure water is running from your wrists down to your finger tips to rinse all the slippy off your palms, back of hand and also from in-between fingers using the six’s steps outlined above
• Dry hands thoroughly with disposable paper towels
• If the taps are not elbow-operated, use the paper towels to turn off the taps
• Do not use a nail brush at any time as they harbour more bacteria than was previously realised
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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on
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Hi Carol--I have a couple of ideas about this.
1. My understanding re: this virus is that it can live ONLY in the mouth and nasal passages. That's why they say "WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY" AND "Don't touch your face or nose with your hands" ('cause that's the major way it gets passed around).
2. My DME told me he has a disinfectant that totally sanitizes any kind of equipment. I don't know if it's available to the public, but maybe your DME would clean them for you.
Susan McCord :-)
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get the name and supplier of the disinfectant
susan mccord said:Hi Carol--I have a couple of ideas about this.
1. My understanding re: this virus is that it can live ONLY in the mouth and nasal passages. That's why they say "WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY" AND "Don't touch your face or nose with your hands" ('cause that's the major way it gets passed around).
2. My DME told me he has a disinfectant that totally sanitizes any kind of equipment. I don't know if it's available to the public, but maybe your DME would clean them for you.
Susan McCord :-)
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I know many places use Control III. I don't like using a lot of disinfect products due to severe allergies. Many of the chemicals in them wreck havoc with my asthma, allegies, so I try to steer clear of them.
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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on
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Carol we use Cavacide in the lab ( This is basically the same thing as Control III). First we take the masks apart and spray them down. Then we let them sit usually until right before we leave ( 30-60 minutes). Then we rinse them off and let them air dry. When we come back in we wash and rinse them with a light soap the same you would at home. We have not had any problems that I know of with allergies or asthma using this double washing treatment. Believe me if there was a problem our cleaning protocol would be changed. I wouldn't say that this is something that you need yo do everytime you clean your mask. Just maybe with your slightly used new ones.
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Just a thought--I worked with cancer patients for many years. They often had compromised immune systems and one thing they do is carry Lysol disinfectant spray with them when they go out. They spray EVERYTHING--grocery store basket handles, doorknobs/bars, anything that they have to touch (not food or people's stuff, etc.!)--they swear by it, and they don't give a damn what ANYONE thinks about it! A good amount of antibacterial gel can be used in the same way to pretty well soak handles, etc. as well. Costs more though.
I live in Indianapolis and several stores I frequent, mostly grocery stores, but department stores as well, have been providing HUGE bottles of antibacterial gel at entryways and checkout counters.
I carry it in my car and in my purse, and use it all the time when I'm out and don't have access to soap and water. I use it every day on my steering wheel, door handles, keys, etc. When you think about it, we transfer whatever our hands touch onto every other thing we touch when we're out. It's kinda startling when you first begin to think about it.
Consider what you may be encountering in MD offices, drugstores, labs, etc., completely unaware!!!!!
'Course nothing beats good old-fashion soap and water, and washing hands FREQUENTLY. I'm pretty much a bear about this stuff and have been for years after watching patients go through so much from being exposed to what seems like "ordinary" germs out in public......
McCord
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