Contributed by Jim Nelson, consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
So, what is your excuse?
According to the experts, the scientists who actually know what they’re talking about, the only effective deterrent for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, at this point is social distancing and wearing protective gear. The social distancing guidelines dictate that you should try to stay at least 6 feet away from everyone else. The virus is spread from person to person through the droplets produced from coughing, sneezing, or even breathing.
One of the things that makes this virus so nasty is the fact that someone can carry it for up to two weeks without feeling or showing any symptoms. So, there is no way for you to tell who is infected and who is not. Makes it very dangerous to get too close to anyone. Sad, but true.
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Coronavirus Face Masks & Protection FAQs ~ Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine About Cloth Face Coverings ~ Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
If you are reading this, it is likely that you have some manner of lung issues. If you are a caregiver, you are gathering information for your patient. To the caregivers — thank you so much for what you do. I admire you greatly. At any rate, you need to be aware of the fact that your weakened condition makes you a target for the virus. If you are elderly, obese, or diabetic, that is another strike against you. That is why you must protect yourself. That includes wearing a face mask.
You can’t wear your oxygen cannula with a face mask? Pardon me, but nonsense! I just did it. The cannula hoses run up your cheeks like normal, and the mask fits normally except for two tiny spaces where the hoses run under the mask. There! You are now protected from the coronavirus, as well as from damage to your heart or brain from low oxygen saturation. With your mask, gloves and portable concentrator, you are now ready to take on the world.
Your glasses fog up when you wear your mask? Easy solution. Wash your hands thoroughly, and then gently wash the lenses of your glasses. Rinse them and dry them, and that should take care of your fogging issue.
When you wear your mask, please do it right. Make sure that it covers your nose, and that it fits as tightly as possible without being uncomfortable. We don’t want any more excuses. Wash your hands before you handle the mask, and then touch it only on the attachment strings. Tie it securely, and wear it proudly.
When you take it off, do not touch the front of the mask. If it is doing its job, that is where the trapped viruses will collect. Launder it immediately, and dry it so that it will be ready for your next excursion.
~ Uncle Jim
Jim Nelson is a double lung transplant recipient and a patient advocate for COPD patients throughout the U.S. and around the world. He and his wife, Mary, are well known patient advocates and brand ambassadors for those organizations who tirelessly endeavor to help those individuals who suffer from a variety of respiratory diseases and the caregivers who support them.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or calling 1-877-704-0878 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.