Don't want to be too specific in case any colleagues are on here. Part of my job role is to clean patient's teeth/mouths who aren't able to do so themselves. Did this for a poorly man yesterday who had no need identified at that time for staff to wear protective wear. All I wore was gloves as I was told the man wasn't coughing and a mask wasn't needed.
Three hours later, the man had been swabbed for Covid 19 and all staff were advised to start wearing protective wear when attending to him. He's for ward level care only so won't be getting transferred if positive. It's a single room ward anyway.
I asked the ward senior nurse if I needed to be updated if his swab came back positive and if I had to take any action. She said she wasnt sure but didn't think so. I told her I was worried about exposure particularly how close I get to other patients. Should I start wearing a mask routinely now given how up close and personal I get to people's faces as I also assist elderly people with meals. She again said no that masks weren't required unless otherwise indicated for particular patients. She seemed quite annoyed by my concern so I didn't push it. She feels there is low likelihood of him having covid 19.
I must have seen about ten other elderly patients yesterday after my contact with this man. Of course I wore gloves and washed my hands as best I could.
Am I being silly to worry that I might have infected other people if the first man actually has Covid 19? Does it take a while before it can be passed between people?
Our area is as yet unaffected and there nobody knows much about the virus so I'm probably worrying over nothing. I just feel like my hospital isnt being cautious enough as of yet.
Given how close and personal I get to frail and elderly people's faces, I wonder if me just wearing gloves and ensuring good hand hygiene is enough to protect the patients?