Lifeisabeach wrote: ↑Sat Mar 07, 2020 10:00 pm
You know, I just have to ask... how exactly do you expect this extra cleaning will protect him? Will the equipment be cleaned after using it at night? If so, well then he'd have potentially been using infected equipment, so it's too late. Before going to bed? If the virus is already in the house, then how is that going to help if it's already in the air and other surfaces?
I am by no means saying you have no cause for concern or shouldn't be taking precautions, but there's so much hysteria over this virus and folks are focusing on the wrong preventative measures and being completely irrational about it all. The focus should be on shared environments and surfaces, not so much things that are uniquely his. If his equipment is contaminated, and only he uses and handles it, then he's the one contaminating it. It's really that simple.
On a somewhat more helpful note, there is data showing that using a humidifier will help prevent viral infections, so he should be using his humidifier with the CPAP. For the water, be aware of how you source it. Obviously, buying distilled water from a store where others have handled the bottles is a risk vector. It's ok to use tap water, but you have to be meticulous about keeping the water chamber clean to avoid mineral deposit buildup. Consider getting a home distiller as a long term option. I personally get my water for my humidifier from the FreshPure dispenser at stores like Whole Foods that purify the water and blast it with UV as it's dispensed into my own containers.
My son is 18 years old. He knows all the CDC recommendations to limit his chances of contracting COVID-19, but as an 18 year old he is not always self aware enough to notice the many times throughout the day that he has potential exposure. Vinegar likely will not kill Covid-19, the CDPHE reccomends to disinfect with either bleach solutions or alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qWfwjC ... eHFOM/view
My thinking is that cleaning his mask and machine buttons with alcohol wipes both before and after use is worthwhile. Before use because if my son does not do as thorough job as he should washing his hands after many possible exposures throughout his day as a college student the alcohol wipes would hopefully kill viruses he may introduce by touching the machine and mask. I am also considering cleaning after use because while much is still to be learned about COVID-19, there have been numerous cases of COVID-19 patients who are cleared and discharged after testing shows they no longer have the virus who later appear to have either been reinfected or perhaps were never fully cured because COVID-19 returns.
"Convalescing patients might not build up enough antibodies to develop immunity to the virus and are being infected again.
The virus also could be “biphasic”, meaning it lies dormant before creating new symptoms. Some cases of “reinfection” have also been attributed to testing discrepancies...
A vice director of a disease control center in Guangdong province told media last week that up to 14% of discharged patients in the province had tested positive again and had returned to hospital for observation."
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-heal ... SKBN20Q1BK
I agree that some are overreacting and panicking about COVID-19, I was blown away when I went to the grocery store yesterday and was greeted by largely empty shelves because people are stockpiling and hoarding soap, hand sanitizers, cleaning products, toilet paper and canned goods. That said for those like my son who's health issues put them into a high risk category this virus could be deadly. It is certainly prudent to take all possible measures to protect my son against contracting a virus that could cause him significant harm or even death.
