About this topic
It is important to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses. Staff will work to keep you safe from other peoples germs. They will also want to protect themselves and other patients from your germs. To do this, the staff may use a special way of caring for you based on your illness or condition. This is called isolation precautions. In the hospital, isolation precautions are very important because of all the people who are sick or have weak immune systems. ‚
General
You may have a sign on your hospital room door that says what kind of isolation precautions you are on. This tells staff and visitors what they need to do or wear before entering or leaving your room. Good hand washing is important for everyone. Be sure to wash your hands before and after going into any patients room. ‚
There are different types of isolation precautions: ‚
- Contact precautions ¢ ˆ ’ Used when an illness spreads by touching you or things that have touched you. Staff and visitors will wear special gowns and gloves when they go in your room. Visitors may also have to do this.
- Droplet precautions ¢ ˆ ’ Some illnesses are spread when germs travel in tiny drops of fluid that are sprayed from a person's mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Others breathe in the tiny drops of germs or they touch something the germs have landed on. Then they may become infected as well. Staff will wear a type of mask and gloves when they go in your room. Visitors may also need to wear a mask. You may be asked to wear a mask when you leave the room. Always wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
- Airborne precautions ¢ ˆ ’ Used when germs spread in the air. You will stay in a special room where airflow is controlled. This is called a negative pressure room. Air from outside flows in. Air from inside your room goes through special filters before flowing out. The door will always be kept shut. You will be asked to wear a special type of mask called a respirator when you leave the room. Always wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
- Reverse isolation precautions ¢ ˆ ’ Used to protect you from germs in the environment. If you are very sick and are not able to fight infections well, you may be in a room with a special air filter. The door will always be kept shut. You will be asked to wear a mask when you leave the room.
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What will the results be?
Spread of germs will be decreased or prevented. ‚
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Preventions ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/2007ip/2007isolationprecautions.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚