One of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of coronavirus is to practice transmission-based precautions. Transmission-based precautions are a set of infection control measures that are used to prevent the spread of diseases that are spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or secretions from an infected person.
1. What are the main types of COVID-19 transmission-based precautions?
There are three main types of transmission-based precautions for the coronavirus: contact precautions, droplet precautions, and airborne precautions. Contact precautions are used to prevent the spread of diseases that are spread by direct or indirect contact with an infected person. Droplet precautions are used to prevent the spread of diseases that are spread by droplets from an infected person. Airborne precautions are used to prevent the spread of diseases that are spread by airborne particles from an infected person.
Contact Precautions
Contact precautions are used to prevent the spread of diseases that are spread by direct or indirect contact with an infected person. These diseases can be spread through contaminated surfaces, such as door handles, or through contact with secretions from an infected person, such as saliva or mucus.
Some of the diseases that can be spread through contact include norovirus, C. difficile, MRSA, and novel coronavirus disease. To prevent the spread of these diseases, it is important to clean and disinfect all surfaces that may have been contaminated with secretions from an infected person. This includes door handles, countertops, light switches, and phones.
In addition to cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, it is also important to practice good hand hygiene. This means washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Droplet Precautions
Droplet precautions are used to prevent the spread of diseases that are spread by droplets from an infected person. These droplets can be generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. They can also be spread through contact with secretions from an infected person, such as saliva or mucus.
Some of the diseases that can be spread through droplets include influenza, pneumonia, and the coronavirus. To prevent the spread of these diseases, it is important to avoid close contact with an infected person. This includes staying at least six feet away from an infected person and avoiding sharing items such as cups and eating utensils.
In addition to avoiding close contact with an infected person, it is also important to practice good hand hygiene. This means washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Airborne Precautions
Airborne precautions are used to prevent the spread of diseases that are spread by airborne particles from an infected person. These particles can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can be breathed in by people who are nearby.
Some of the diseases that can be spread through airborne particles include tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox. To prevent the spread of these diseases, it is important to avoid close contact with an infected person. This includes staying at least six feet away from an infected person and avoiding sharing items such as cups and eating utensils.
In addition to avoiding close contact with an infected person, it is also important to practice good hand hygiene. This means washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
2. What are some examples of transmission-based precautions?
Contact precautions include using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and gowns when having contact with the patient or surfaces in their environment. Droplet precautions include wearing a mask when within three feet of the patient and avoiding face-to-face contact. Airborne precautions include using an N95 respirator or higher-level PPE when entering the patient’s room and ensuring that the room is equipped with HEPA filters.
3. Who should use transmission-based precautions?
Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should be placed on transmission-based precautions. These patients include those who are symptomatic (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath) and those who are asymptomatic but have had close contact with a person with confirmed coronavirus.
4. How long should transmission-based precautions be used?
Transmission-based precautions should be used until the patient is no longer considered infectious. This typically occurs when the patient has been asymptomatic for at least 72 hours and has had two negative laboratory tests 24 hours apart.
5. What are some challenges associated with using transmission-based precautions?
One challenge associated with using transmission-based precautions is ensuring that all staff members are properly trained on how to use the necessary PPE. Another challenge is ensuring that PPE is available in sufficient quantities. Yet another challenge is maintaining compliance with the use of transmission-based precautions over long periods of time, as they can be physically and emotionally demanding.
6. Are there any other considerations regarding transmission-based precautions?
Yes. In addition to the challenges mentioned above, it is important to consider the impact of transmission-based precautions on the patient’s psychological well-being. Transmission-based precautions can be isolating and stigmatizing, and patients may need additional support to cope with these effects.
These are just a few of the things you need to know about COVID-19 transmission-based precautions. For more information, please talk to your healthcare provider or contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).