| 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 membrances of the nose or mouth of a susceptible person with large-particle
droplets (larger than 5 um in size) containing microorganisms generated
from a person who has a clinical disease or who is a carrier of the microorganism.
Droplets are generated by the source person during coughing,
sneezing, or talking and/or during the performance of certain procedures such
as suctioning and bronchoscopy. Transmission via large-particle droplets
requires close contact between source and recipient persons, because droplets
do not remain suspended in the air and generally travel only short distances,
usually 3 ft or less. Since droplets do not remain
suspended in the air, special air handling and ventilation are not required
to prevent droplet transmission. Droplet Precautions apply to any patient
known or suspected to be infected with epidemiologically important pathogens
that can be transmitted by infectious droplets. |
Last modified: September 30, 2002.
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