What type of precautions should be taken for patients suspected of having airborne infections?

Airborne precautions are specifically designed to protect healthcare workers and other patients from infections that can be transmitted through the air by droplets that remain suspended. These precautions are critical when dealing with patients who are suspected of having airborne infections, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox.

When airborne precautions are in place, several key measures are implemented. This includes placing the patient in a private room with monitored negative air pressure, ensuring adequate air exchanges in the room, and using respirators or masks for healthcare personnel and visitors entering the room. The objective is to minimize the risk of airborne pathogens being inhaled by others.

While standard and contact precautions play significant roles in infection control, they do not specifically address the unique risks posed by airborne infections. Standard precautions are employed as the baseline for all patient interactions, and contact precautions are crucial for preventing the spread of infections through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or materials. However, neither of these is sufficient alone to prevent transmission of diseases spread through airborne routes, underscoring the importance of airborne precautions in this specific context.