At the latest since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international emergency due to the outbreak of a new coronavirus, fear of infection has also been growing in Germany. The first coronavirus infections have already been reported in this country. There is still no reason to panic - according to current knowledge, people with a healthy immune system get through the illness like an ordinary cold. The incubation period is about two weeks, and infection occurs mainly through droplet infection - that is, through the air we breathe.
Of course, it is never a bad idea to take precautionary measures. This certainly applies if there is suspected infection with the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV or other dangerous pathogens in your surroundings. We have compiled some information here based on recommendations from the Robert Koch Institute. These recommendations are intended for medical facilities such as hospitals or nursing homes, but some of them can also be applied to home care and private illness prevention.
In case of suspected infection:
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To prevent transmission between the patient and other people through the air we breathe, a multi-layer face mask should be worn. This is particularly important for the sick person themselves, as the risk of spreading viruses is considerably reduced by the face mask.
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In hospitals, patients would be accommodated in an isolation room with a private bathroom and, ideally, an entrance anteroom.
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Protective clothing must be worn. Nursing staff should wear at least FFP2 masks for respiratory protection - protective gloves and protective goggles complete the equipment.
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All basic hygiene measures must be observed. This includes cleaning and, where necessary, disinfecting all surfaces and objects that are in contact with or near the patient.
In case of a confirmed infection:
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Isolation in a single room as described above.
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Also protective clothing including FFP2 respirator masks.
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Installation of ventilation systems to prevent spread to other rooms.
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Use of hand disinfectants with proven at least limited virucidal efficacy. To be carried out after contact with contaminated materials and objects, after removing gloves, and before leaving the anteroom.
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Daily wipe disinfection of all surfaces in the patient area with surface disinfectants having at least limited virucidal efficacy. These include door handles and table surfaces, etc.
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Disinfection of all medical devices that come into contact with patients. ECG electrodes and stethoscopes and similar instruments must be reprocessed using instrument disinfectants with at least limited virucidal efficacy.
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Used dishes should be transported in a closed container to the dishwasher. Normal cleaning at 60 degrees Celsius is sufficient.
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Laundry and other textiles can be treated with a disinfecting detergent in accordance with the RKI list. Disposable wipes should be used to collect secretions and clean the face, etc.
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Wipe-disinfectable covers protect beds and mattresses.
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Contaminated waste must be disposed of in accordance with waste code 180103 under the LAGA guideline.
Suitable products for protection against the coronavirus:
As a mail-order distributor of medical products, we offer disinfectants and cleaning products as well as protective clothing and aids for professional medical use. Many of these can also be used in the private sphere to protect yourself and others from infection.
In our range, you will find:
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3-ply and 4-ply face masks with elastic straps for easy fastening behind the ears
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FFP2 and FFP3 respiratory masks with or without a valve
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Antibacterial skin cleansing wipes and hand disinfection wipes
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Disposable gloves made of latex, nitrile, or vinyl
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Disposable overshoes
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Incontinence products (including protective pads and bed pads)
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Surface disinfectants and cleaning products
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Hand disinfectants
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Instrument reprocessing agents
We hope you get through the commotion surrounding the coronavirus and the currently spreading flu epidemic well. Stay healthy! 😊
