Times Like These...

I write this as I am in Stay At Home Mode. I never thought in my lifetime we would be witness to a world wide pandemic. All Florida Department of Health licensees working in cosmetic services received an email Friday March 20th to close our doors until further notice. I’ve learned along the way that there are people who will live in fear and panic, some who will risk their health, and the health of others to make a buck, some who think they are invincible and take no precautions, and those like myself who will remain cautious but not let fear take hold.

Being trained as an Electrologist in Florida we are licensed through the Florida Department of Health. We have been trained in the protocols of blood borne pathogens, staying relativly free of contamination in our workspace, and proper medical waste disposal. We wipe everything down between clients with a ready-to-use, intermediate-level surface disinfectant that is effective against TB, HBV, HCV, viruses (hydrophilic and lipophilic), bacteria (including MRSA and VRE) and fungi. It can be used in the NICU, operating rooms, isolation rooms, patient care areas of hospitals, and laboratories. Besides the obvious of the wiping down the table, which is covered in disposable paper as well, the machine and wires, I even wipe my cellphone, loupes, battery pack, light and anything I’ve touched while with each client.

I watch people as I go to the grocery store those who wear gloves yet don’t understand the idea of “cross contamination”. I see them leave the store with the gloves on and get into their cars with the gloves still on. Hellooooo….you just contaminated your car. Best practice would be to remove the gloves inside out before you enter your car. Keep hand sanitizer in your car to wipe your hands down before you start your car or touch anything. Throw the gloves away when you get home and wash your hands again.

I thank my training in preparing me in these uncertain times.