Recommendations for Nebulization in Home Setting
DO patients to have their full supply of medication and order in plenty to ensure they don’t run out of medications at home.
DON’T perform nebulization in a room from which air can circulate to other areas of the house. This will aid in minimizing exposure risks for care-takers and family members.
DO prevent your caretaker/ family member from staying inside the room with ongoing nebulization. (Best case scenario: single room with door closed and away from high-risk patients).
DON’T let the caretaker get too close while Nebulization is being conducted. Maintain distance of at least 6 feet from the patient. Also, restrict the number of people in the room to 2 max.
DO wash hands thoroughly as per CDC guidelines. CDC recommends the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers with greater than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol or use an anti-microbial soap.
DON’T reuse the equipment & accessories unless they have been washed up using liquid/ hospital grade disinfectants like Isopropanol (70%) or Hydrogen Peroxide (3%).
DO perform Nebulization in a well-ventilated room and close the door while Nebulization is being undertaken.
DON’T share nebulizers between family members. Every nebulizer should be a single-use nebulizer.
DO leave the room vacant with the door closed for 30 minutes after the patient has vacated the room post-nebulization.
DON’T practice nebulization in a room which is part of the central air-conditioning. Avoid air-conditioning in the room altogether.
References:
- WHO Interim guidelines 2019
- CDC guidelines www.health.state.mn.us
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/hand-hygiene.html
- https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0038/939656/qh-covid-19-Infection-control-guidelines.pdf
- www.ncdc.gov