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Protective medical clothing is popular against COVID-19 because it serves as a vital barrier to prevent the transmission of the virus, particularly from contaminated surfaces (fomites) to healthcare workers' mucous membranes, and between patients and healthcare staff. Its use, including gowns and gloves, is recommended by public health bodies like the CDC to protect healthcare professionals and reduce the spread of the respiratory virus.

How it works:

Prevents indirect transmission:

Gowns and gloves are crucial for preventing transmission from fomites, which are objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus. 

Creates a barrier:

The clothing creates a physical barrier between the wearer and the virus, stopping it from reaching the respiratory system, eyes, or other vulnerable areas. 

Protects healthcare workers:

By minimizing the risk of infection, protective clothing safeguards the health of medical staff, allowing them to continue their essential work during outbreaks. 

Essential for patient care:

The use of these garments is a key strategy for safely caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. 

Protective medical clothing, such as gowns and gloves, was used during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent fomite transmission, where the virus could spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and then to healthcare workers' mucous membranes. This clothing acted as a barrier, minimizing the transfer of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from patients to medical staff and vice versa, especially when caring for individuals with known or suspected COVID-19. 

Purpose of Protective Clothing 

Preventing fomite transmission:

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The virus can survive on surfaces, and clothing like gowns and gloves create a barrier to prevent the virus from contaminating the healthcare worker's body.

Protecting mucous membranes:

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By preventing contact between the virus and the skin, the protective clothing stops the virus from reaching mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and mouth, which are entry points for infection.

Stopping transmission to others:

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The clothing also protects healthcare workers from becoming carriers who could then spread the virus to other patients or the community.

Types of Protective Clothing 

Gowns:

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These are worn to protect the wearer's clothing and skin from contamination by the patient's bodily fluids or airborne droplets.

Gloves:

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Worn over the hands, gloves are essential for preventing the transmission of the virus through direct contact with infected surfaces or patients.

Recommendations for Use 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the use of both gowns and gloves when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to prevent virus transmission.