What are the methods of infection control called that are applied to patients known or suspected to be infected?

The methods of infection control applied to patients known or suspected to be infected are referred to as "Contact precautions." Contact precautions are essential in preventing the spread of infectious agents that can be transmitted through direct contact with the patient or indirectly through surfaces or equipment contaminated with infectious material.

These precautions typically include practices such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and gowns when interacting with the patient or their environment. This is crucial in healthcare settings to protect both healthcare workers and other patients from potential infections.

Other methods listed, such as airborne and droplet precautions, are specific to different modes of transmission. Airborne precautions are used for infections that spread through tiny droplets suspended in the air, while droplet precautions apply to those transmitted by larger respiratory droplets. Universal precautions, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses basic infection control practices applied to all patients, regardless of their infection status, aiming to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens. Understanding the distinction between these various methods helps ensure that appropriate measures are taken based on the specific risks associated with each infection type.