RSV infection requires which type of isolation precautions?

• A. Standard precautions only
• B. Airborne isolation
• C. Droplet isolation
• D. Contact and droplet isolation

Answer: (D)

RSV spreads mainly through direct contact with respiratory secretions and via droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To prevent transmission, precautions must address both routes. Contact precautions involve gloves and a gown for all patient care and handling of the patient’s environment to stop spread by touch. Droplet precautions require wearing a mask for close contact and when within about 3 feet of the patient to protect against larger respiratory droplets. Airborne precautions are not needed for RSV because it does not typically stay suspended in the air as small particles. Putting these together—addressing both contact and droplet routes—best reduces transmission of RSV.