Visiting Family and Friends During Covid

Recently I had my very first Covid test, and as many have described, it feels as if someone is attempting to swab the corner of your eye by way of your nostril! Not necessarily painful, but not comfortable either!

My nephew is getting married in December, just eight days after Thanksgiving thus I was tested as I attended an outdoor music event a week before. Here is what I discussed and learned with my healthcare professional who works in a busy Family Practice Clinic in Richardson, Texas.

First, I understand that many would say I was completely irresponsible, however my Nurse Practitioner indicated an outdoor event, that is socially distanced, is far safer than wearing a mask and going to the gym for example. With the number of healthcare workers that are exposed daily to Covid, the percentage of this population contracting the virus is surprisingly low. Here are the four primary reasons why:

• Wearing an appropriate mask
• Avoid touching their face
• Washing hands almost an obsessive amount
• Cleaning all common surfaces with germ killing products after every interaction with someone

I believe most of us have been pretty good about the masks, and try to be diligent about touching our face, but I have noticed that I have personally become more lax with hand washing, and honestly haven’t been wiping down surfaces regularly with a disinfectant.

Have you noticed that some stores, such as Kohl’s are diligent about wiping the checkout area in between each customer, while other stores are not? Here are additional tips to stay safe, and virus free prior to visiting a loved one over the holidays.

1. If you have to shop in person, and disinfecting doesn’t occur just before you place your items up to be scanned don’t be shy, speak up and ask if they wouldn’t mind cleaning the area.
2. Each time you leave a store, sanitize your hands!
3. Be sure to sanitize your hands prior to touching anything in your car and wipe down surfaces in your car regularly.
4. Ensure you are using a mask that does not allow particles in or out. A simple test is to put on your mask, light a candle and attempt to blow it out. If you are able to blow out the candle, then your mask is not doing the trick! I tested five masks, and some I was able to blow out a candle without the filter, but once I inserted the filter no chance. Also, I have several neoprene masks that have no place for a filter, no chance blowing out the candle, however, I do need to come up with a way to ensure the mask stays snug on my face as they do not have adjustable straps. Once I do that, the neoprene are hands down my favorite as they are not as hot to wear as all others I have tried.
5. If you know you are going to see family or friends, the best bet is to limit contact with the outside world for at least 14 days prior.
6. If traveling is involved, driving in lieu of flying is your best bet!
7. Get a Covid test. With tests readily available with results being available in two to three days, rapid results in 15 minutes, or even at home tests that are delivered to your door, just ease everyone’s mind, and test!
8. Masks need to be cleaned! You can wash them every few days, or if they do NOT have any metal, I personally microwave mine daily for 30 seconds and wash weekly. Research has confirmed that microwaving masks kills the Covid along with a list of other viruses!
9. Masks can also wear out! If the edges are fraying, it’s time to replace your mask!

These are difficult times, and none of us want to be isolated, or possibly alone, especially during the holidays. Ask yourself, is the potential risk greater than the isolation, and use your best judgement accordingly.