Assessing Your Risk of Exposure When Caring for a COVID-Positive Person
Getting diagnosed with COVID-19 can be scary and stressful. In addition to caring for yourself, you may be concerned about inadvertently transmitting the virus to caregivers through routine activities like using the bathroom or taking a shower.
Understanding Viral Shedding
COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets that infected individuals expel by coughing, sneezing or even talking in close quarters with someone. However, emerging research shows that viral RNA particles can also be detected in stool and urine samples, leading to questions around fecal-oral or urinary-oral transmission.
The overall risk is considered low, but merits caution when using shared facilities like a bathroom or shower space.
Risk Level Depends on Symptoms and Severity
According to the CDC, the duration of COVID-19 infectiousness or viral shedding can vary:
- Asymptomatic cases – 5-10 days from positive test
- Mild to moderate illness – 10 days from symptom onset
- Severe illness – Up to 20 days from onset of symptoms
This means an infected person taking a shower could theoretically shed virus through respiratory secretions, fecal matter or urine for up to 20 days in severe cases.
Protective Measures for Caregiver and Patient
If you are the primary caregiver for a household member with COVID-19, here are guidelines to follow when assisting with bathing to prevent transmission.
General Precautions
The caregiver should:
- Be up-to-date on COVID vaccinations to reduce risk of serious illness if exposed
- Don gloves, mask, face shield and gown or coveralls when interacting with the patient or handling laundry
- Ask patient to wear a surgical mask as much as possible
Preparing the Bathroom
To make the bathroom safer for use:
- Disinfect all high-touch surfaces like faucets, handles, toilet seat
- Ensure good ventilation by opening windows and turning on vent fan
- Place a plastic bag lined trash can with lid near the toilet
During & After Showering
The patient should:
- Wear mask during entire process
- Shower independently if possible or with minimal assistance
- Use separate bath towels that no one else shares
The caregiver should:
- Wait outside the bathroom when possible while maintaining verbal contact
- Assist from 6 feet away if patient needs help
- Let bathroom air out for 30 minutes before sanitizing surfaces
Containing Potential Infectious Waste
While risk is low, it is prudent for COVID-positive individuals and caregivers to treat bodily excretions with appropriate precautions.
Toilet Use Strategies
Recommend patient to:
- Close lid completely before flushing toilet to prevent aerosol spread
- Line the toilet bowl with disposable puppy pads to contain waste
- Double bag waste like vomit before carefully discarding in trash
Cleaning Reusable Items
The caregiver should:
- Use disposable gloves when handling soiled laundry and towels
- Wash items separately with hot water and laundry sanitizer
- Clean shower chairs, stools, handles with EPA approved disinfectant after each use
Isolation Protocols for Shared Living Spaces
If you have a single bathroom that must be used by both caregiver and infected individual, here are some dos and don’ts:
Don’t
- Allow simultaneous use of bathroom by multiple people
- Share personal items like toothbrushes, combs, makeup
Do
- Wait as long as possible after patient use before entering
- Keep the patient separated in their own room besides bath usage
- Use EPA approved disinfectants multiple times a day in bathroom
For additional protection, the caregiver may wish to use a separate bath facility altogether if one is available elsewhere in or outside the home.
When to Return to Normal Use Post-Illness
The CDC provides the following guidance on discontinuing isolation precautions with COVID-positive individuals:
- At least 10 days from symptom onset AND
- At least 24 hours fever-free without fever reducing medication AND
- Other symptoms like cough improving
However, patients with severe illness likely require longer isolation: 15-20 days. Only upon meeting these criteria can a previously positive patient resume normal shared living conditions and use common spaces like bathrooms alongside other household members.
Gradual Transition is Key
Some additional tips include:
- Wearing a mask for the first several days back
- Decontaminating bathroom before broader use
- Using separate bath linens indefinitely as precaution
With proper isolation protocols and hygiene practices, caregivers can safely assist those recovering from COVID-19 without undue personal risk of infection.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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