Final answer:
Airborne Precaution is the method used to prevent diseases transmitted through the air, such as the flu and cold viruses, by using special air filtration systems and wearing respirators like N95s. It is different from Droplet Precaution, which deals with large droplets, and Contact Precaution, which focuses on direct contact and contaminated surfaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
Airborne Precaution helps prevent the spread of illnesses transmitted through the air. This type of precaution is specifically designed to prevent the transmission of pathogens that can be suspended in the air and inhaled by individuals. Examples of airborne pathogens include the flu and cold viruses. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, microscopic droplets containing pathogens can be expelled into the air. These droplets can remain suspended or travel over distances, and they can be inhaled by others, leading to the transmission of illness.
Practices such as the use of special air filtration systems, wearing N95 respirators, and keeping infected individuals in isolated, negative pressure rooms are common Airborne Precautions. It is important to note the difference between Airborne Precaution and Droplet Precaution. Droplet Precaution is for larger droplets that are transmitted by coughs and sneezes but do not stay suspended in the air for long periods or travel over long distances like airborne particles.
Contact Precaution, on the other hand, is used to prevent the spread of pathogens that are transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated surfaces.