Airborne Precautions – How to take
Airborne precautions are rules that help to keep those germs from spreading from one person to another person. Germs that spread through the air are called airborne germs.
Rules for patients
- You
will be treated in a private room.
- Keep the door to your room closed.
- Wear a mask in your room if told by your nurse.
- Check with your nurse before you leave your room.
- Wear a mask if you go to another part of the hospital or clinic. Make sure the mask fits tightly.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you cannot use soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
Rules for visitors
- Check with a nurse before you go into a room that has a sign that says “Airborne Precautions.”
- If a nurse says that you can go in the room, wash your hands and wear a mask over your nose and mouth. Make sure the mask fits tightly.
- Do nottake off your mask in the room.
- Do noteat or drink in the room.
- Do notuse or touch any items in the room unless you ask a nurse first.
- Right
after you leave the room:
- Take off your mask. Throw it in the trash.
- Wash your hands with soap and water. If you cannot use soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
Summary
- Airborne precautions are rules to help prevent airborne germs from spreading.
- Wearing a mask and washing hands can help protect you and others from getting sick.
