Which isolation precaution is used for diseases transmitted via the airborne route?

• A. Airborne isolation
• B. Contact isolation
• C. Droplet precautions
• D. Standard precautions

Answer: (A)

Airborne transmission involves very small particles that can linger in the air and travel with air currents. To prevent spread, airborne isolation uses a negative-pressure room to keep contaminated air from escaping and requires healthcare workers to wear an N95 respirator (or higher) when entering the room. The patient may be masked if they must be transported, and the door should remain closed to maintain the room’s pressure. This approach is chosen for diseases that spread through the air, such as TB, measles, and varicella. Other precautions address larger droplets (droplet precautions), direct or indirect contact (contact precautions), or universal baseline safety for all patients (standard precautions), which is why airborne isolation is the best fit for airborne transmission.