Corona virus and autoimmune disease

[Batnursediva, RN]

Hello all. I have researched like mad and am unable to find an answer to my question. I’m wondering if any of you have come across this yet. Are nurses (such as myself) who have autoimmune disease (Sjogren’s syndrome) still working the floors when they have a Covid-19 pos patient? Am I fine if I wear my PPE or do I say bye bye for now.
I work in LTC and we cannot contain our residents in their rooms due to dementia.
I’m def not panicked, at this point just curious. Thank you ?

[Kitiger, RN]

Are you on meds that modify the immune system, so that you are at an increased risk for infection?

Obviously, you have to ask your own doctor about that, but I would be very interested in what you find out.

Also, are you saying that a resident with dementia who tests positive for COVID 19 can roam the facility? WOW!. What is your facility's policy on this?

[Batnursediva, RN]

I’m in a higher risk group but I don’t know how risky. I’m on meds but not biologics.
I’ve contacted Public Health for more information. I’m waiting to hear back.
Our policy for people who are contagious with anything is to try to redirect them to their room, but they don’t understand and so we then have them walking the entire floor.

[JKL33]

6 minutes ago, Batnursediva said:

Our policy for people who are contagious with anything is to try to redirect them to their room, but they don’t understand and so we then have them walking the entire floor.

That really doesn't sound okay.

[Kitiger, RN]

7 hours ago, Batnursediva said:

Our policy for people who are contagious with anything is to try to redirect them to their room, but they don’t understand and so we then have them walking the entire floor.

Your facility needs a new policy. People over 80 are at such a high risk, especially in a LTC facility. To let people infected with Covid 19 roam the halls . . . ? ?

[dianah, ASN]

This is a reminder to members to abide by the Terms of Service in not responding to any requests for medical advice. Members who require medical information on personal matters must seek answers from their own providers.

Now, great question about the facility policy regarding COVID-19-infected patients who roam the halls! Is there any recommendation from the CDC? And, how can LTC (and other care-based facilities) provide the minimum care and fulfill recommendations, with current staff?

[Batnursediva, RN]

Sorry I didn’t realize I was breaking the rules. My apologies. Thank you everyone for your input. Signing out ?