Which precaution is essential for diseases transmitted via the airborne route?

• A. Standard precautions only.
• B. Droplet precautions with a surgical mask.
• C. Airborne isolation precautions when indicated (N95 mask, private room/negative pressure) in addition to standard precautions.
• D. Contact precautions with gloves and gown.

Answer: (C)

Airborne diseases spread through tiny aerosols that can linger in the air and travel beyond close contact, so protecting people from inhaling those particles requires airborne isolation in addition to standard precautions. This means placing the patient in a private room with negative-pressure ventilation (air flows into the room and is exhausted or filtered) and ensuring healthcare workers wear a fit-tested N95 respirator (or higher) whenever entering the room. Transport should be minimized and the patient should wear a mask if moved. Standard precautions stay in place for all patients, but they aren’t enough for airborne transmission, whereas droplet precautions protect mainly against larger droplets that travel short distances and contact precautions guard against transmission via surfaces and direct contact.