What is the purpose of airborne precautions?

The purpose of airborne precautions is to prevent the transmission of pathogens through airborne droplet nuclei. These droplet nuclei are tiny infectious particles that can remain suspended in the air for prolonged periods and can be inhaled, potentially leading to the spread of diseases. Airborne precautions are essential in healthcare settings to protect both patients and staff from infections that can be transmitted this way, such as tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox.

Implementing airborne precautions involves certain protocols, such as using specialized masks (like N95 respirators), ensuring proper ventilation in patient areas, and placing patients in negative-pressure rooms when necessary. This approach plays a crucial role in infection control and helps to minimize the risk of outbreaks within healthcare facilities.