Which type of precautions requires special air handling and ventilation?

Airborne precautions are specifically designed to prevent the transmission of diseases that are spread through tiny aerosolized droplets that can remain suspended in the air for extended periods. Conditions such as tuberculosis, measles, and varicella require these precautions because the pathogens can be inhaled without close contact with an infected person.

Special air handling and ventilation systems, such as negative pressure rooms, are implemented to ensure that any infectious airborne particles are effectively filtered and do not circulate into other areas of the healthcare facility. This is crucial for protecting both patients and healthcare workers from the risk of airborne infections.

In contrast, contact precautions focus on preventing transmission via direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces, while droplet precautions are aimed at preventing transmission through larger respiratory droplets that travel short distances. Standard precautions are the baseline infection prevention measures applied to all patients regardless of diagnosis. These distinctions highlight the unique requirements associated with airborne precautions to mitigate the spread of certain airborne diseases.