News of COVID19 has brought up one of the topics I’ve spent a lot of time with: cleanliness. I’d say myself, like the other cancer survivors undergoing or done with treatment, are near experts at this avoiding germs game. To paint a bit of a picture, the ‘healthy’ range for white blood cells per my charts is 3.5-10.5 K/uL (thousands per cubic millimeter of blood). After round five of chemo during my successful treatment of my Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (PMBCL), the lowest lab results were a dreary 0.4 K/uL.
Because my body was left defenseless, my family and I had to implement habits to create an environment that was safe for me to be in. Therefore, I wanted to share some of the tips we learned from when I was left without my own defenses.
Be Bossy About Cleanliness
Do not be afraid to tell people to wash their hands. I straight up annoyed my husband with this – and definitely still do when my traumatized germaphobe side rears its head. “Did you wash your hands” was probably my most commonly used phrase during those treatment months.
If you have to have people over, call or text them beforehand to tell them what you’d like them to do upon arrival (wash hands, no hugging, etc.). That way it feels slightly less demanding, and really it helps everyone involved. And when unloading the groceries, wash your hands before going all over your kitchen putting things away. And I repeat, no hugging. Think twice before giving Grandma a hug as hard as that is.
Read the Instructions For Cleaning Products
Actually read the instructions on your hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. You’ll be surprised to see how long they recommend to actually maintain the moisture for in order to get the 99.99% effectiveness they tout. Spoiler alert: the surface you’re cleaning with a wipe should be wet for FOUR MINUTES per Clorox.
Avoid Using Cash
Use mobile banking options (bank apps, Apple Pay, etc.) and plastic debit/credit cards if you can. Depending on the machine at the register, these may prevent you from having to exchange anything with the cashier.
Elevator, Errand, and Door Courtesies
In an elevator, if you’re already pushing the button for yourself, volunteer to do the same for the other riders. Hopefully you’d do this anyways out of common courtesy, but it will reduce the number of people getting their touches in in such a public space. Also, if someone is immunocompromised, this is SUCH A GIFT. Any buttons, door handles, and enclosed spaces in a public place are a nightmare for someone who is more likely to get sick, so consider it in all situations if you might be able to hold the door for others, or just take the stairs.
If you’re healthy, volunteer to run some errands or give a ride to those more at risk. This allows them to avoid places like the grocery store, the pharmacy, and public transportation.
Clean Those Places You Might Forget
Do not skip over your phones, keys, doorknobs, eyeglasses, headphones, computers, remotes, toilet flushes, and microwaves. Think of your day to day and use that as cleaning inspiration.
Be Considerate
Lastly, BE KIND TO PEOPLE! This can be a stressful time, and we are all hearing news that can be quite scary. Hopefully you can reframe that way of thinking and look at it as information empowering you to make rational, informed decisions, but also realize people are on short fuses and possibly very distracted. People at places like grocery stores and medical facilities are literally putting themselves out there when so many of us are staying in. Please don’t forget to help if you’re healthy and to use your pleases & thank you’s.
Thank you 😉