Well it looks as though the government are introducing measures to try and limit the spread of Coronovirus. The important thing is unlike a latter day Corporal Jones (He’s a character from a programme called Dad’s Army for anyone under 40) we must not panic. I think the next few weeks may result in some fairly draconian measures to try and slow the spread of coronavirus. Some of yo will end up self-isolating for 7-14 days. Remember your health and of those you work or live with is much more important than your vital job.

Schools may shut*, cinemas and theatres too. Sporting events have been cancelled. Those of you who have to commute to work may have a few weeks without your face stuck in the arm pit of the commuter in front. So, there may be a silver lining for some. Those travelling by car may finds the roads busier. Home working seems is recommended so those of you who have always wanted to take a gamma camera home with you, this could be your chance. Maybe Tesco direct can add a delivery of radiopharmaceuticals to your ration of 1 roll of toilet paper per week per family.

It is clearly sensible to try and slow the spread of the virus as it will slow the admission rate to hospital for those who need in-patient care and reduce burdens on the NHS. Remember that this year already the NHS has coped with tens of thousands of patients with influenza and over 2000 deaths without a fuss or hardly any press interest. So, we need to get on with our work

What do we need to learn in nuclear medicine;

1. Well you wondered why you did all that mandatory training for hand washing, now is your time to shine, so the watch word is wash early, wash well and wash frequently.
2. Wearing face masks in public places, especially on your chin which seem to be a fashion in London, may make you think you look cool but in fact you look a bit of a prat. It is much better to WASH YOUR HANDS.
3. No need to shake hands or air kiss colleagues a cheery wave from a socially acceptable 2 metres will suffice.
4. Remember patients will be infectious so is you suspect anyone may have ensure you have the correct PPE and wash down surfaces after the patient has left as you would for any patient with an infectious disease.
5. Patients will present with shortness of breath and despite them having a fever and a dry cough you can be sure someone will want a V/Q lung scan. Now the changes that you will see will be similar to influenza. So if you have a normal recent (within the hour) chest X-ray, a normal perfusion and big segment or lobar sized ventilation defects (please only do ventilation with Kr-81m if available and not technegas or aerosol) then the patient MAY have a viral pneumonia such as coronovirus or the more common influenza. Important technical note here, it is vital you don your PPE before scanning them not after you have seen the images.
6. We are also learning about the appearances of coronavirus on FDG PET so keep looking at imaging news feeds

So don’t panic, wash your hands and carry on.

• Correct when written
  

Dr John Buscombe

BNMS President