Transmission-based precautions are used in addition to standard precautions when use of standard precautions alone does not fully prevent communicable disease transmission. There are three types of transmission-based precautions–contact, droplet, and airborne – the type used depends on the mode of transmission of a specific disease above and beyond standard precautions.  Many of these disease require one or more precautions to help prevent transmission to another human. There are three types of precautions:

Contact precautions–
Using measures in addition to standard precautions. Wear gloves and gown when in contact with the individual, surfaces, or objects within his/her environment. Used disposable items in the care of the patient such as disposable BP cuffs, Stethoscopes, and Thermometers Wear mask with splash guard or mask and protective goggles is there is a chance of a splash hazard. Examples of Contact precaution necessity includes but is not limited to Norovirus, HIV, Wound care, C diff, Shingles, Lice, etc.

Droplet Precautions– In addition to standard precautions, these precautions are used when a patient has a organism or is suspected to have or confirmed to have something that is spread by respiratory droplets ( which are produced when we cough or sneeze.) A surgical mask should be worn when within 3 feet (or 6 feet for small pox) of the patient. Examples include but are not limited to : influenza, Pertussis, meningitis, respiratory MRSA and coronavirus.

Airborne precautions – These type of precautions are used in addition to standard precautions when there is known or suspected illness which is carried by fine disease particles carried by the air. Examples include but are not limited to SARS, measles, Tuberculosis, Chickenpox, etc.