Silly question for any nurses or doctors (or anyone else)

[newddmommie]

I'm a bit of a worrier (or a lot of a worrier).. I had a doctors appointment yesterday and without thinking threw my tissue away in the biohazard trashcan that was on the floor. So my question is can i get any diseases from having touched the lid? I didn't touch anything inside, just the lid and i've washed my hands several times. I was at the lady doctor if that makes a difference. One of my doctor friends said i'm fine, but I can't stop worrying about it. Please help me feel better. TIA.

 

[CowboyCO]

I'm a bit of a worrier (or a lot of a worrier).. I had a doctors appointment yesterday and without thinking threw my tissue away in the biohazard trashcan that was on the floor. So my question is can i get any diseases from having touched the lid? I didn't touch anything inside, just the lid and i've washed my hands several times. I was at the lady doctor if that makes a difference. One of my doctor friends said i'm fine, but I can't stop worrying about it. Please help me feel better. TIA.

If there was active bacteria or virus on the lid and you immediately transferrred it to your nose or mouth, then it is possible. However, bacteria and viruses don't live long when exposed and it is extremely unlikely to catch anything just from touching the lid of the can. You are more likely to get something off the door handle at WalMart. (Not to give you something else to worry about...)

 

[gator75]

i agree virus and bacterias don't live too terribly long outside the human body as long as you where aware and dint touch your face and you washed well i'm sure you will be fine. You could also as some extra insurance take some emergen c.

 

[focusondisney]

I'm an RN. Those biohazard garbage cans are just for the medical practice to seperate thier waste. Doesn't mean they contain any serious diseases. Medical offices/ hospitals must pay more for waste disposal of bloody or possibly contaminated trash vs. clean waste: papers etc. So the biohazard container is for anything that has gross blood etc. Could you catch anything? Sure if there was wet blood from someone with a disease (hepatitis, HIv etc.) & you got that blood in a cut on your hand etc. If the lid was dry & seemed clean & you washed your hands after touching it, you are at minimal risk. You are as likely to catch something like the flu, cold etc from touching just about any public object: elevator buttons, handrails, doorknobs etc.

Handwashing & keeping your hands off you face are your best defense.

 

[laurie31]

It's unlikely anything was living on the lid of the can, and if there were, you would have either needed to have an open cut where you touched it or immediately put your finger in your eye or nose.

I'm guessing none of that is true.

You are good. If you use a computer at work, your mouse is dirtier than that lid. There's something else to worry about! (I do lysol mine from time to time...)

 

[newddmommie]

Thanks everyone for helping making me feel better. I did wash my hands and didn't touch my face. It was one of those moments right after i closed the lid that was "dang it, why'd i do that".. i'm a bit paranoid sadly. Thanks again.

 

[zurgswife]

Another RN here I have to agree your chances are minimal and you are at greater risk in many other places in your daily life. The best defense is the washing of hands no matter where you are or what you touch. You said you washed so you should be fine. And like the previous poster noted the biohazard waste containers are for blood or bodily fluid items, that don't necessarily contain any type of disease.

 

[newddmommie]

Thanks again everyone for helping calm my fears. This has convinced me that i need to get my worrying undercontrol. I hope everyone has a very merry christmas.

 

[dngnb8]

Possible, yes. Probable, no. Odds are very slim. But then, Im not very slim.

 

[kim929]

Didn't it have the foot pedal to open the can?

I have to say I have never thought about getting a disease from touching anything at the Drs.

 

[newddmommie]

Didn't it have the foot pedal to open the can?

I have to say I have never thought about getting a disease from touching anything at the Drs.

Nope just a regular lid.. i believe they have to touch it as well to put stuff in it barehanded since they take their gloves off. So that makes me feel better too. I wish i didn't worry about this stuff either. gotta work on that.