Which precaution is appropriate for a patient with influenza?

• A. Airborne precautions
• B. Standard precautions
• C. Droplet precautions; maintain at least 3 feet from others when coughing or sneezing; place a mask on the patient during transport.
• D. Contact precautions

Answer: (C)

Influenza spreads mainly through larger respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Because of that, the appropriate precaution is droplet precautions. This means keeping about three feet of distance from others and placing a mask on the patient during transport to limit droplet spread. For healthcare staff, wearing a mask when within close range and practicing rigorous hand hygiene are essential, in addition to standard precautions used with all patients. Airborne precautions are more restrictive and used for diseases transmitted by small particles that stay airborne, not typical for influenza. Contact precautions target spread by touching contaminated surfaces or secretions, which isn’t the primary route for influenza.