Which term describes methods of infection control used for patients with airborne pathogens?

Airborne precautions are specifically designed to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious agents that are spread through the air. This includes pathogens that can remain suspended in the air for prolonged periods and can be inhaled by individuals who are not in close proximity to an infected person.

The practices involved in airborne precautions include the use of specialized masks or respirators for healthcare workers and patients, ensuring that patient rooms are equipped with negative pressure ventilation systems to prevent airborne pathogens from escaping, and limiting the movement of patients who are known to carry such pathogens. This level of infection control is crucial in preventing outbreaks of airborne diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox.

In contrast, other types of precautions, like contact precautions and droplet precautions, address different modes of transmission. Contact precautions are aimed at preventing the spread of organisms that are transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment. Droplet precautions are focused on preventing transmission through respiratory droplets that are generated when a person coughs or sneezes, which typically travel only short distances. Standard precautions are a set of measures used with all patients to prevent the spread of infection and include practices such as hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment.

Understanding these distinctions highlights why airborne precautions are