This one is a bit "left field" but here goes...

[JigFettler]

"Can any one hear me", says the Robin?

OK! Infatuation with Robins aside...

After my spectacular successful knee replacement I decide to buy myself a new mountain bike.

BUT... bear with me... I have been 5yrs remission since FCR, Lymphocyte count 0.7 so on prophylactic Aciclovir (against Herpes infection) and Co-Trimoxazole (PJP prophylaxis)

Recently I have stopped this drugs because they may be having and potentially serious side effect (to be posted about in due course when I know more...) certainly alarming symptoms.

The mechanic in the bike shop who has assembled my mountain bike (they are complex bits of kit these days) - his daughter has chicken pox, and the mechanic (who I know well) has not had chicken pox.

Potentially he has covered my new mtbike in live virus as he worked on it for 5 hours.

Herpes is arguably more serious than Covid and I am off my prophylaxis.

How long do I leave the bike before I collect it to use? Disinfecting the bike in NOT an option!

Trivial in the grand scheme of things I know. But I am a boy with a new toy...!😘

Any thoughts on how long I leave it before collection - quarantining?

Jig

[OwnedByCockerSpaniel]

Not from the other side of the county. Try shouting louder !!!!

[SofiaDeo]

Expose the bike to UV? Either outside or with UV lights?

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[fapumpkin]

As SofiaDeo has suggested, leave it in full sun and any virus residue should be dealt with? Safe biking

[Pacificview]

If it were me, I would spray it with a disinfectent and wipe it down with gloves on. Then I would leave it in the sun.

[PaulaS Volunteer]

Sorry that's happened, Jigfettler. I don't have any answers, but hope you'll soon be able to enjoy your new bike safely.

Paula

P.S. If I had to guess, I'd say 5-6 days isolation should be OK, but that's only a guess. If the mechanic himself does come down with chickenpox, and when, it would be helpful to know about it.

[JigFettler Volunteer in reply to PaulaS]

Indeed. Its very unlikely he has not had chicken pox exposure in his youth. Nevertheless there is an irony in all of it. Its lovely to know - he parked the bike in a sunny position in his workshop!

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to JigFettler]

It needs to be unfiltered sunlight. Window glass significantly blocks UV.

I hope you can ride safely soon, but provided you keep your head up high and wear gloves or wash your hands before touching your eyes, nose or mouth, I would think you'd be fairly safe, particularly if you at least cleaned the seat and handlebars.

[JigFettler Volunteer in reply to AussieNeil]

Sure - am assuming it will be a hot dry workshop. Subtext to this was the kind consideration given to my immune issues by the guys in the bike shop. I appreciated that! Pic fom the high moor with bike coming soon! J

[Ernest2]

You have some good answers on the germs.

I'll just say enjoy riding the new bike, and after simple cleaning as others say just wear gloves the first time if it's a mental block, and leave your bike out in the sun for a few days.

Enjoy!

Best wishes,

Ernest

[SERVrider]

The risk is of shingles from a chicken-pox sufferer. If you've had your Shingrix vaccinations you should be safe from any residual risks.

[Dahlia7]

The virus does not live long on surfaces so wait a couple days and pick it up.

[JigFettler Volunteer]

I am collecting the mtbike, this Thursday, 11.00 BST

😆...that'll be a week untouched.

Jig

PS I've a social engagement for tomorrow cancelled for Covid infection of one of our group. Its still about, lurking.

🤧

[lexie]

At least you were made aware of the virus contamination, allowing you options on how to proceed. I worry when my car needs service where someone works on it, test drives, the complimentary car wash, etc and I have no idea if they've got anything.

Enjoy your bike when you pick it up, how exciting this must be!

[bennevisplace]

Acyclovir (alternative sp for bikers) is not known for side effects. I'm curious to know more, as I've been on 800 mg / day for several years.