Which precaution requires a surgical mask within close range for infections like influenza or strep?

• A. Standard Precautions
• B. Airborne Precautions
• C. Droplet Precautions
• D. Contact Precautions

Answer: (C)

Droplet transmission is the idea behind this precaution. Infections like influenza and strep spread mainly through larger respiratory droplets that travel only short distances, usually within about 3 feet (1 meter) of the infected person. Because these droplets can land on your mucous membranes, wearing a surgical mask when you’re in close range helps protect you from inhaling them and helps contain the droplets from the person who’s ill. This is distinct from airborne precautions, which address smaller particles that can stay suspended in the air and require an N95 respirator and a specially ventilated room, and from contact precautions, which focus on gloves and gowns to prevent contact with contaminated surfaces or the patient. Standard precautions are the baseline practices used with all patients. So, the best fit for masking within close range to prevent influenza or strep is the droplet precautions approach.