Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Coronavirus , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Speech Therapy , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/psychology , Humans , Infection Control/organization & administration , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Viral/psychology , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2). This virus is transmitted mainly by droplets, sneezes and aerosols and can be transmitted even among asymptomatic patients, so there is a risk of transmission during the audiologist's procedures which, in addition, use and reuse clinical equipment in a wide variety of patients. This article aims to describe the steps that can be taken by the audiologist in order to decrease the risk of cross-contamination in clinical practice during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Brazil. During the COVID-19 pandemic, audiologists are recommended to use personal protective equipment including N95 respirators, clinical gloves, disposable shoe covers, face shields or safety glasses, hair covers and disposable aprons, in addition to strictly following biosafety protocols during audiological care.