| Yale
New Haven Hospital QISS GB 325 New Haven, CT 06504 USA Dr. Jeff Topal 688-4634 |
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| Droplet Precautions |
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| Droplet Precautions are designed to reduce the risk of droplet transmission of infectious agents. Droplet transmission involves contact of the conjunctivae or the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth of a susceptible person with large particle droplets containing microorganisms generated from a person who exhibits a clinical disease or who is a carrier of the microorganism. The patient can generate these droplets from coughing, sneezing, and talking, as well as during certain procedures such as suctioning and bronchoscopy. Transmission via large droplets requires close contact (within 3 feet or less) between the source patient and the susceptible individual. Droplets (due to their large size) do not remain suspended in air and travel short distances - three feet or less. Thus, Droplet Precautions require the use of a standard surgical mask within three feet of the patient. However, it is prudent to wear a mask upon entering the room of a patient on Droplet Precautions to avoid any inadvertent exposure. |
Last modified: January 19, 2001.
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