Can Using Shared Tissue Increase Infection Risk for Seniors?

Q: Can Using Shared Tissue Increase Infection Risk for Seniors?

Dear Ms. <br>Wen-Hsin：<br>1. <br>The primary mode of transmission for the Wuhan pneumonia virus is through direct contact with infected secretions or respiratory droplets. <br>The estimated incubation period is mostly between 1 to 14 days, with the most common duration being arou

Is infection possible?

Hello, Dr.
Hsiao.
Earlier, I took my grandmother to the ENT department mainly because she was experiencing itching in her ears.
Since she had a runny nose, I was going to get her some tissues from my bag, but she ended up using the tissues from the dispenser in the doctor's office.
She was sitting in the examination chair, and it was conveniently located next to her.
I would like to ask if there is a possibility that those tissues could have bacteria or viruses on them.
Although my grandmother didn't think much of it, I assume the doctor placed them there for the convenience of patients.
However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it still makes people anxious, especially since my grandmother is a bit older and is worried about getting infected.
I was concerned that my delay in providing her with tissues might have exposed her to some risk.
I wanted to consult you about whether there is any actual risk involved.
I felt it would be inappropriate to ask the ENT doctor at that moment, as my grandmother frequently visits there.
I appreciate your time and hope you can help me with this concern.
Thank you.

Wenxin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/18

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Ms.
Wen-Hsin:
1.
The primary mode of transmission for the Wuhan pneumonia virus is through direct contact with infected secretions or respiratory droplets.
The estimated incubation period is mostly between 1 to 14 days, with the most common duration being around 5 days.
Clinical manifestations primarily include respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, dry cough, fever, and fatigue, which are typical of upper respiratory infections.
A minority of patients may present with loss of taste or smell, or unexplained diarrhea.
Certain older individuals or those with chronic illnesses have a higher risk of developing severe conditions such as respiratory distress or pneumonia.
2.
In our country, the index case of nosocomial infection from the Wuhan pneumonia virus (Case 34) showed that samples taken from the patient’s room, including bed rails, chairs, bedside tables, sinks, and toilets, tested positive for the virus.
This indicates that the patient’s room is indeed prone to environmental contamination.
Therefore, Professor Chang emphasized the importance of hand hygiene.
Since such viruses can survive in the environment for an extended period, all inanimate objects in the hospital that may be contaminated with the coronavirus, including clothing and bed linens used by suspected infected patients, should be cleaned and disinfected with appropriate disinfectants.
This is a crucial part of infection control measures, known as "fomite transmission."
3.
Based on your statement, I personally believe that the risk of contracting the Wuhan pneumonia virus is likely very low.
However, I still recommend that you discuss this with your attending physician to confirm whether there is any contamination of the clinic with the Wuhan virus.

Reply Date: 2020/05/18

More Info

Using shared tissues, especially in a medical setting, can indeed raise concerns about infection risk, particularly for seniors who may have weakened immune systems. While the risk of transmission of infectious agents through shared tissues is generally low, it is not negligible, especially in the context of respiratory viruses, including the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), influenza, and other pathogens.

When a person uses a tissue, it can become contaminated with respiratory secretions that may contain bacteria or viruses. If another person subsequently uses the same tissue, there is a potential risk of transferring those pathogens. This is particularly concerning in environments like clinics or hospitals, where individuals may be more likely to be carrying infectious diseases.

For seniors, the risk is heightened due to several factors:
1. Weakened Immune System: As people age, their immune systems may not respond as robustly to infections. This makes them more susceptible to illnesses that younger individuals might easily fend off.

2. Chronic Health Conditions: Many seniors have underlying health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory conditions, which can complicate infections and lead to more severe outcomes.

3. Close Contact: In a medical setting, individuals are often in close proximity to one another, increasing the likelihood of pathogen transmission through shared surfaces and items.

In the scenario you described, where your grandmother used a tissue from a shared supply in a doctor's office, the risk of infection is relatively low but not zero. The tissues are typically placed in a way that they are meant for single use, and healthcare facilities usually maintain a level of hygiene to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. However, it is always wise to be cautious.

To mitigate the risk of infection for seniors, consider the following precautions:
- Hand Hygiene: Encourage frequent hand washing with soap and water or the use of hand sanitizer, especially after touching shared items like tissues. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections.

- Avoiding Shared Items: If possible, bring your own tissues or other personal hygiene items for your grandmother to use, especially in public or healthcare settings.

- Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on any symptoms that may arise after exposure to shared items, such as cough, fever, or unusual fatigue. Early detection can lead to prompt medical attention.

- Vaccination: Ensure that your grandmother is up to date on vaccinations, including the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines, which can help protect against severe illness.

In summary, while the risk of infection from using shared tissues is low, it is prudent to take precautions, especially for seniors. Maintaining good hygiene practices and being aware of the environment can significantly reduce the risk of infection. If you have ongoing concerns about your grandmother's health or potential exposure to infections, it may be beneficial to consult with her healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations.

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Hello, the likelihood of the issue you raised is very low, so there's no need to worry. Wishing you good health.