What is the primary purpose of airborne precautions?

The primary purpose of airborne precautions is to prevent the transmission of pathogens through airborne droplets. This type of precaution is crucial in healthcare settings, especially for infectious diseases that can be transmitted through particles that remain suspended in the air for extended periods. By implementing airborne precautions, healthcare professionals aim to minimize the risk of airborne pathogens being inhaled by susceptible individuals, effectively reducing the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox. This involves using specialized equipment like N95 respirators, maintaining negative pressure rooms, and ensuring proper ventilation, all of which are designed to keep pathogens contained and limit exposure.