In the hospital, transmission-based precautions are used to help stop the spread of germs from one person to another in order to protect patients, families, and healthcare workers. If your baby has been placed on transmission precautions, it is important to understand what this means and what to expect from us, the staff. Knowing the methods in which a disease is transmitted is important for implementing proper infection control measures.
There are three different types of transmission-based precautions, and it can be confusing trying to differentiate between them:
Let’s Talk: Contact Precautions
Defined as direct or indirect contact with a patient or the patient’s environment. This includes everything in the baby's room or objects in contact with the baby infected with an organism.
Used for infections, diseases, or germs that are spread by touching the patient or items in the room.
Examples of organisms: Clostridium difficile, MRSA, VRE, diarrhea, open wounds, skin infections (varicella zoster, HSV, impetigo, scabies, etc.), RSV and other respiratory infections.
Required PPE:
Gown
Gloves
Remember to use water + soap for C.diff, otherwise hand sanitizer will suffice!!!