Exposed to COVID+ no PPE, only surgical mask

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Specializes in sepsis/pul.

I recently got exposed to a patient who got admitted for a diagnosis not related to COVID, or so we thought. I had a surgical mask and only in the patients room for maybe 30 minutes giving medications. Later on, we found out she was COVID+. The patient was not coughing and she was also not getting breathing treatment. I have so much anxiety about this. I think I am at a low risk for getting it? I know a handful of other nurses that have COVID already and I can't stop worrying. Please give me comforting words.

Btw, my hospital said not to isolate only if I have symptoms. I think thats a load of crap.

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Specializes in Emergency/med surg.

was in similar situation --- I am sorry youre going through this scary and frustrating -- start your 2 week countdown - pretend as if you are (+) as in being extra extra careful and cautious not having visitors, seeing people outside of work etc. Is there any way you can get tested? This sounds bad - but it is a shame that workplaces only suggest symptomatic testing - what if you got a *cough, cough* and got tested? maybe put your mind at ease. Not fair that general public/politicians/pro athletes get asymptomatic tests and us healthcare workers dont... it forces us to maybe have to fib about sx.

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Specializes in sepsis/pul.

Okay, thank you. What happened in your similar situation? Did you have symptoms?

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Specializes in Emergency/med surg.

Had to intubate a patient - was in the room for hours and very physically close to them- patient wound up COVID +. 3 days later I woke up with a sore throat/dry cough was SO mild I waited a few hours - I got in my own head overthinking so I called Occ health they told me to get swabbed I couldn’t return to work until 24 hours post 1 negative swab. This was 1.5 months ago... I’m sure it’s since changed ...

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Specializes in sepsis/pul.

WOW!, that is crazy. I'm so glad you were negative. Hopefully, I won't get any symptoms. Thank you so much for sharing. I appreciate it.

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Specializes in Emergency/med surg.

Good luck!

1
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Specializes in ER, Pre-Op, PACU.
2 hours ago, girlwithnoname said:

I recently got exposed to a patient who got admitted for a diagnosis not related to COVID, or so we thought. I had a surgical mask and only in the patients room for maybe 30 minutes giving medications. Later on, we found out she was COVID+. The patient was not coughing and she was also not getting breathing treatment. I have so much anxiety about this. I think I am at a low risk for getting it? I know a handful of other nurses that have COVID already and I can't stop worrying. Please give me comforting words.

Btw, my hospital said not to isolate only if I have symptoms. I think thats a load of crap.

I unfortunately have gotten exposed multiple times to patients in the ED with only a surgical mask. I did eventually end up becoming symptomatic and was out of work for 3 weeks.

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Specializes in sepsis/pul.

I'm so sorry to hear that. Did you isolate yourself right away or only when you started having symptoms?

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Specializes in ER, Pre-Op, PACU.

When I had symptoms

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Specializes in sepsis/pul.

Thank you. I pray for a speedy recovery for you.

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