Im due to begin chemo in next couple of weeks, my husband is visiting his elderly mother in hospital most days and I am worried about him bringing coronavirus back home to me. Has anyone any advice please, thank you.
very difficult situation normally, but this adds another dimension.You will have to practise rigid separation,and distancing within the home.
Separation means avoiding joint use of eating or drinking utensils,seperate toilet/bathrooms if possible,but wash down,disinfect everything that is used jointly after each use,leave bowls around with zoflora and a cloth to wipe down potential risks. Use a litter picker to turn on light switches or plugs for instance,or open door handles,do not share books,in fact do not share anything w,here possible.Delegate specific tasks,opening mail,using money.Wearing masks in each others presence might be adviseable
Distancing means seperate bedrooms,short visits means immediate showers afterwards,you go to his quarters and shower before returning to yours,not the other way around,your room where you spend most of your time must be your sanctuary.If you are doing the clothes washing ,wear gloves or wash hands immediatly,and only you handles the laundered clothes.The list is endless,but the principles follow across all your everyday living.
How much of this you choose to follow is up to you,but think of rigidity as perfection,with every concession a small step back.It sounds draconian,but visiting a hospital daily is putting it out there at present.At the end of the day its about you feeling confident in the regime you put in place because the last thing you need is extra worries
Advise your chemo team of your situation,they will have very useful information and are best placed to advise.l am used to disease control and infection prevention having had a career in high health pig herds and quarentine facilities,and with forethought and precise controls there is no problem,and it gets easier than you first think as you switch into safety mode.
Good luck with your chemo,hope it goes fast and you cope well,
