Are we in the ‘Safe Zone’ for Ebola?

Are we in the ‘safe’ zone with Ebola?

Today we had our hospital training on caring for Ebola or other VHF – Viral Hemorrhagic Fever patients safely.

I’ll go political on you in just a sec, but for now, let me say this: I think we (The U.S.) are finally prepared to care for these patients.
As much as I can’t wait to retire and do my own business full time, I am happy to say that my employer has been on top of the latest Ebola news, enlisting the expertise of every Infectious Disease resource person they can and staying in contact with the CDC.
So in our training today we learned that our hospital’s protocol actually goes above and beyond what the CDC is recommending.
But here’s my rant: As a respiratory therapist, do you have any idea how many people I see during flu season (all year round actually, but October –April is our busiest time of year)? How could we know who’s just walking in with the flu vs. who is truly at risk for having Ebola?
Exposure to other Ebola patients and travel from West Africa are the 2 major factors. And how do you know if you’ve been exposed to a symptomatic Ebola patient?
Thankfully, last we heard, all members of Mr. Duncan’s family made it past the 21 day period clear of the virus. And the NBC cameraman has been cleared also. But in the short time Mr. Duncan was here in the U.S., he was in contact with HUNDREDS of people. Of the nurses who cared for him, one got on a plane and came in contact with HUNDREDS more people. It is likely that between those 2 RN’s, at least 100 health care workers will have come into contact with them, albeit adequately protected.
I don’t mean to elevate fear levels, I just want to illustrate how quickly a virus can spread.
Many suggestions have been made as to how to stem the flow of infected persons or carriers to the U.S.
My advice is the same now as it has been for 30 years: if you are sick, stay home. Wash your hands. If you must go out, wear a mask and learn good personal hygiene. Cough into your sleeve, use hand sanitizer, stay away from others. If you seek medical care, TELL the people at the clinic or hospital if you have traveled recently and keep yourself away from others in the waiting area. Think about everyone you’ve been in contact with and if you’ve had any ill contacts.
If we stay honest and educate ourselves, we can eradicate this from the U.S.
The day Mr. Duncan’s blood tested positive for Ebola, we should have been prepared. Protocols should have been in place. Anyone traveling from West Africa should have been screened for a fever. Now we know, and we have also learned just how contagious and aggressive a virus can be. As a reference point, the turnaround time for an Ebola blood test is about 8 hours. Not including time to transport the sample to a lab that tests for Ebola.
So keep yourselves healthy this flu season, and if you haven’t yet gotten your flu shot, make it a priority today!

Always Looking Out For You,
Your Breathing Specialist