Which PPE is required for droplet precautions such as influenza?

Which PPE is required for droplet precautions such as influenza?

• A. Eye protection
• B. N95 respirator
• C. Gloves
• D. Mask

Answer: (D)

Droplet transmission occurs when large respiratory droplets, expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking, travel only a short distance and can land on mucous membranes. The essential protection here is a mask, which covers the nose and mouth and blocks those droplets from being inhaled or reaching others. An N95 respirator is intended for airborne precautions and is not routinely needed for influenza. Eye protection would be used if there’s a risk of splash to the eyes, and gloves are important for contact precautions, but they do not provide respiratory protection. So, the most important PPE for standard droplet precautions is the mask.

Droplet transmission occurs when large respiratory droplets, expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking, travel only a short distance and can land on mucous membranes. The essential protection here is a mask, which covers the nose and mouth and blocks those droplets from being inhaled or reaching others. An N95 respirator is intended for airborne precautions and is not routinely needed for influenza. Eye protection would be used if there’s a risk of splash to the eyes, and gloves are important for contact precautions, but they do not provide respiratory protection. So, the most important PPE for standard droplet precautions is the mask.