What it means
Some germs travel in very small particles that hang in the air for a long time, so a person can breathe them in without being close to the sick person. Diseases spread this way include tuberculosistoo-ber-kyoo-LOH-sisAn infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often attacks the lungs.tubercul/o small swelling-osis abnormal conditionFull entry , measlesMEE-zulzA very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.Full entry and chickenpox (varicella). It is different from droplet spread, where larger drops fall within a short distance.
For the nurse
Airborne precautions mean a single negative-pressure room (an airborne infection isolation room) with the door closed, a fit-tested N95 respirator or a powered air-purifying respirator for staff, and a surgical mask on the client if they must leave the room.
At a glance
| Also written | airborne spread |
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Related terms
tuberculosis
An infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often attacks the lungs.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
measles
A very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.