What type of precaution requires special air handling and ventilation?

Airborne precautions are essential for preventing the spread of infectious agents that can be transmitted through the air over long distances. This type of precaution is particularly important for diseases that can be spread via tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air for an extended period, such as tuberculosis, measles, and varicella (chickenpox).

To effectively implement airborne precautions, healthcare facilities require specialized air handling systems, including negative pressure rooms, which help contain the infectious particles and prevent them from circulating into other areas. These environments ensure that air is filtered appropriately before being recirculated, thus minimizing the risk of airborne transmission to both patients and healthcare workers.

In comparison, standard precautions are routine practices applied to all patients regardless of infection status, while contact and droplet precautions are focused on preventing transmission through direct contact or larger respiratory droplets, respectively. Each of these different types of precautions is designed for specific modes of transmission, but only airborne precautions require the specialized air handling and ventilation systems that specifically target the airborne nature of certain pathogens.