Information on COVID-19 and tips for laryngectomy patients
Always follow the latest national guidelines regarding COVID-19
COVID-19 is a disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person, between people who are in close contact with each other and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths, noses or eyes of people who are nearby, or possibly be inhaled through the lungs. In people with a laryngectomy or tracheostomy, they can possibly be inhaled via the stoma.
The virus is also thought to spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. It may be possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. For people with a laryngectomy, this could happen when touching the stoma or using objects in or around the stoma, such as tubes, buttons or cleaning equipment.
We are learning new things every day about the ways the virus can spread. Make sure to always read the most recent information and guidance. For more information regarding COVID-19, see www.WHO.int
For Atos Medical’s official COVID-19 statement, see www.atosmedical.com/covid-19-information
Current guidelines for the general public
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 % alcohol.
- Cough into a tissue and dispose of it safely and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands before eating and drinking, when handling food and after using the restroom.
- Consider regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently utilized surfaces such as door handles, desks, etc.
Tips for laryngectomy patients
Because people with a laryngectomy breathe through a neck stoma, the daily routine includes cleaning of and caring for the stoma and removing and applying devices. For those using a voice prosthesis, this also includes cleaning and care for the voice prosthesis and occluding the neck stoma to speak.
Included are suggestions to help with daily care:
Source: World Health Organization. 2020-04. www.who.int
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