COVID-19 Transmission Risks in the Workplace

Transmission routes of COVID-19

Hello Doctor: In the past week, several colleagues at my company have tested positive for COVID-19.
The colleagues sitting directly behind me, who are facing away from me, have all tested positive, yet they continue to come to work.
Among them, two colleagues who are about three meters away from me did not wear masks.
Although I tested positive in October 2022, the painful experience makes me very fearful of being infected by my colleagues.
I would like to ask you a few questions regarding transmission routes:
1.
Yesterday, a colleague who was about three meters away from me and not wearing a mask sneezed loudly while I had my mask off to eat (I am not sure if he sneezed in my direction since I was facing away from him).
What is the likelihood that I could contract the virus from his respiratory droplets?
2.
I generally wear my mask and only take it off when absolutely necessary.
I try to avoid touching my face (at least I do not touch my eyes, mouth, or nose with my hands).
I wash my hands immediately after returning home, dispose of my mask (and wash my hands again afterward), and disinfect my phone with alcohol at least three to four times a day.
I also wash my glasses with soap and feel compelled to wash my hands twice more before going to bed.
I have done everything possible to prevent contact transmission, but I am still very concerned about droplet transmission.
Sometimes I have to take off my mask to eat or take medication, but if a confirmed case is nearby and sneezes or coughs without a mask...
Now, my nose is very itchy, and my throat feels slightly uncomfortable and inflamed.
What is the likelihood that I could test positive?
3.
I went to the hospital today and noticed many confirmed cases around me.
After my visit, I did not wash my hands and bought lunch.
Before eating, I disinfected my hands with alcohol, but while eating, my face (the skin near my right nostril) accidentally touched the packaging of my lunch.
I later used alcohol to wipe the area I touched, but I am unsure if I inhaled any virus that might have been on the packaging from my hands.
What is the likelihood that I could test positive because of this?
4.
I passed by the seat of my colleague who tested positive without wearing a mask (at that time, they were not at their seats).
Is there a chance that I could be aerosol-transmitted due to air currents or viruses stirred up from the floor as I walked by? This worries me as well.
5.
Doctor, what is the incubation period for the current wave of COVID-19? When should I take a rapid test for the most accurate results? How long should I self-monitor? I mean, after that period, I would like to know when I can stop worrying about being infected by my colleagues.
6.
The most unbearable symptom during my last infection was a sore throat that felt like my entire neck was splitting for six days.
If I test positive again, would getting a steroid injection at the clinic help alleviate the discomfort from throat inflammation? I am not seeking to be completely pain-free, but at least I would like to avoid the pain that feels like being cut or burned, which radiates to my ears.
I apologize for having so many questions; I am really anxious due to the large number of colleagues testing positive.
Thank you for your answers, and I appreciate your hard work.
Wishing you all the best and good health!

Xiao Li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/06/27

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if your immune system is normal or you have been vaccinated, exposure to the virus does not necessarily lead to infection, and most likely, any resulting illness will be mild.
It is recommended that if you have a fever accompanied by upper respiratory symptoms, you can perform a rapid test at home.
If you test positive, you should visit a clinic or hospital for appropriate medication treatment.
The specific medication to be used should still be determined by a clinical physician.

Reply Date: 2024/06/27

More Info

Understanding the transmission risks of COVID-19 in the workplace is crucial, especially in light of recent outbreaks among colleagues. Your concerns are valid, and I will address each of your questions based on current medical knowledge and guidelines.

1. Transmission Risk from Sneezing: When a colleague sneezes loudly without a mask, respiratory droplets can travel several feet. However, the risk of transmission decreases with distance. At three meters (approximately ten feet), the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 from a single sneeze is relatively low, especially if you were not facing them directly. Nonetheless, if they were symptomatic and contagious, there is still a risk, albeit reduced.

2. General Precautions and Symptoms: Your diligent hygiene practices—wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, and using alcohol-based sanitizers—are effective in minimizing transmission risks. However, if you are experiencing nasal itchiness and throat discomfort, it is essential to monitor these symptoms closely. While these could be signs of a common cold or allergies, they could also indicate a potential COVID-19 infection. If symptoms persist or worsen, consider getting tested.

3. Contact with Contaminated Surfaces: The risk of contracting COVID-19 from touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face is considered lower than direct droplet transmission. However, it is still possible. Since you sanitized your hands before eating, the risk is further reduced. If you are concerned about potential exposure, monitor for symptoms and consider testing if you develop any.

4. Aerosol Transmission: Walking past an area where confirmed cases have been present does carry some risk, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. However, the likelihood of aerosol transmission from the floor or air is lower compared to direct droplet exposure. Maintaining distance and wearing a mask when in close proximity to others can help mitigate this risk.

5. Incubation Period and Self-Monitoring: The incubation period for COVID-19 typically ranges from 2 to 14 days, with most cases presenting symptoms around 4-5 days after exposure. If you have been in close contact with confirmed cases, it is advisable to self-monitor for at least 14 days. Testing is most effective around 5-7 days post-exposure, but if symptoms arise, you should test immediately.

6. Managing Symptoms if Infected: If you do test positive for COVID-19 and experience severe throat pain, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation. However, this should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help alleviate discomfort.

In summary, while your risk of contracting COVID-19 from the described scenarios is present, your proactive measures significantly reduce that risk. Continue to monitor your health, practice good hygiene, and do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you have concerns about your symptoms or potential exposure. Stay safe, and take care of your health!

Similar Q&A

Assessing COVID-19 Exposure Risk After Close Contact with a Colleague

Hello Doctor, I was informed today that a colleague of mine has tested positive for COVID-19. I sat next to this colleague during a meeting for two hours two days ago, and we were very close to each other. Both of us were wearing masks during that time, but I am still very worrie...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Since both you and your colleague are wearing masks, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 from your colleague is generally lower, but it cannot be said that there is no risk at all. 2. If you are concerned about contracting COVID-19, you can first check yourself using...

Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Close Proximity Situations

I am concerned about the recent severe COVID-19 situation in Taipei and whether this scenario could lead to droplet transmission, especially since there are elderly individuals at home. Here’s the situation: while I was eating, a colleague who was not wearing a mask walked past m...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the situation you described, if your colleague has tested positive, there is still a possibility of transmission to you. Given the severity of the current pandemic, if you have concerns about exposure to a confirmed case or are experiencing any symptoms, it is adv...

Assessing COVID-19 Infection Risk on Public Transport with Unmasked Individuals

Hello doctor, when I was taking my child out on a train, there was a migrant worker who wasn't wearing a mask and kept talking, while his companion was wearing one. Later, many people were looking at him, and he eventually put on a mask. I would like to ask if we are at risk...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the current risk of community transmission in Taiwan is very low, and if you are wearing a mask, you should not be at risk of contracting COVID-19. Thank you for your question.

Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Social Settings

Hello, doctor. Last week I had a bit of a cold and went to see an ENT specialist. I'm still taking medication. The doctor said my lungs sounded fine, but I sometimes have a sore throat along with phlegm and nasal discharge, so I was prescribed antibiotics. I really didn'...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Ning Ning: 1. The Wuhan pneumonia virus (COVID-19 virus) belongs to the second type of coronavirus (also known as β-coronavirus); it is an enveloped RNA virus with a large genome (26-32 kb) and is classified as a zoonotic virus. Currently, the primary transmission rout...