What are Airborne Isolation Precautions?

Airborne isolation precautions are for diseases or very small germs that spread through the air from one person to another. These precautions prevent the spread of small germs that hang in the air for a while after someone coughs, sneezes or talks. Procedures for the lungs and airway also release germs.

Even if you do not feel sick, you can still carry and spread germs to others. This is why we are taking extra precautions.

An Airborne Precautions sign is posted outside your room. It tells staff and visitors what they can do to keep patients safe.

As a patient, you must be sure to:

• Stay in your room. Only leave for medical procedures and activities for your recovery.
• Complete hand hygiene when you enter and leave your room.
• Wear a surgical mask and a clean hospital gown when you are out of your room.
• Ask everyone to clean their hands when they enter and leave your room, even if they are using gloves.
• Keep the door closed at all times. This is because you are in a room with special air flow.

As a family member or visitor, you must:

• Limit visitors to close friends and family.
• Complete hand hygiene when you enter and leave the room.
• You will need to wear a special mask called the N-95 mask.
  Put on the mask before you enter the room. Do not remove it while in the room. When you exit the room and the door is closed, you can then remove the mask and throw it away.
• Keep doors closed at all times.

Doctors, nurses and other staff will always:

• Complete hand hygiene when they enter and leave the room, between cares, and after moving you for tests or procedures.
• Wear a special mask (N-95) or hood while in your room and remove it when they leave your room. They may also wear a gown, gloves or goggles. It depends on the care they will give.

Good hand hygiene

This means washing your hands with soap and water for at least 15 to 30 seconds. You may also use alcohol-based gels or foam hand sanitizers. Make sure to wash or spread the foam all over your hands and under your nails. For some illnesses, it may be best to use soap and water to clean your hands.