Clinical meaning
Droplet precautions prevent transmission of infections spread by large respiratory droplets (>5 micrometers) generated during coughing, sneezing, talking, or procedures like suctioning. Unlike airborne particles, droplets are too heavy to remain airborne and typically travel no more than 3-6 feet before settling on surfaces. Key droplet-transmitted infections include influenza, pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal meningitis), Mycoplasma pneumoniae, mumps, rubella, and streptococcal pharyngitis. A surgical mask (not N95) worn within 3-6 feet of the patient provides adequate protection because droplets do not remain airborne. Negative pressure rooms are not required for droplet precautions, but patients should be in private rooms or cohorted with patients who have the same infection.
Exam relevance
Risk factors: - Close contact (within 6 feet) with infected individuals - Crowded living conditions facilitating droplet spread - Healthcare procedures generating respiratory droplets (suctioning, nebulizing) - Unvaccinated individuals exposed to vaccine-preventable droplet diseases - Seasonal epidemics of influenza and respiratory viruses