Preventing Airborne Droplet Transmission

People often wonder just how they become sick from being in the same room as someone else who is ill. Understanding how diseases can travel makes them easier to prevent.

One mode of travel for disease is through airborne transmission. Airborne transmission occurs when bacteria or viruses travel on dust particles or on small respiratory droplets that occurs when people sneeze, cough, laugh, or exhale. These particles/droplets hang around in the air much like invisible vapor. The droplets are loaded with infectious particles and can travel on the air over considerable distances. Some of the most common airborne infections include, Influenza, Chickenpox, Smallpox, and Tuberculosis.

With airborne transmission, direct contact with someone who is infected does not necessarily mean you can become ill. The amount of exposure varies from disease to disease. With Chickenpox, a child could easily become infected from another aisle in a supermarket. With Tuberculosis closer contact and less air circulation are often needed.

The best way to avoid airborne infections is to be in a different room from a person who is ill and have the door closed in between. If you are in the same room wearing a mask will help reduce your exposure. If you are sick, covering your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing decreases droplet spread zone.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends frequent and thorough hand washing as the most effective way to prevent infections. The CDC also advises against sharing personal items like drinking cups, eating utensils and hand towels. Disinfecting commonly used surfaces also offers a measure of protection against the spread of infections.

Melvin A Bean RN- Medical/ Surgical / ICU Director

05/19/09