What are Droplet and Contact Isolation Precautions?

Droplet and contact isolation precautions are for infections, diseases or germs that spread in very tiny droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. These germs can also be spread by touching an infected person or items in the room.

Even if you do not feel sick, you can still carry and spread germs to others. This is why we are taking extra precautions.

A Droplet/Contact Precautions  sign is posted outside the room. It tells staff and visitors what they can do to keep patients safe.

As a patient, you must be sure to:

• Stay in your room. Only leave for medical procedures and activities for your recovery.
• Complete hand hygiene when you enter and leave your room.
• Wear a surgical mask and a clean hospital gown when you are out of your room.
• Ask everyone to clean their hands when they enter and leave your room, even if they are using gloves.

As a family member or visitor, you must:

• Wear a surgical mask when you enter the room.  Throw it away when you leave the room.
• Complete hand hygiene when you enter and leave the room.
• Limit visitors to close friends and family.
• Wear a gown and gloves if you will help with cares, such as holding, feeding and changing diapers or dressings. You should also wear a gown and gloves if you later visit other patients in the hospital.

Doctors, nurses and other staff will always:

• Complete hand hygiene when they enter and leave your room, between cares, and after moving you for tests or procedures.
• Wear a surgical mask, gloves and a gown while in your room and remove them when they leave the room. They may also wear goggles. It depends on the care they will give.

Good hand hygiene

This means washing your hands with soap and water for at least 15 to 30 seconds. You may also use alcohol-based gels or foam hand sanitizers. Make sure to wash or spread the foam all over your hands and under your nails. For some illnesses, it may be best to use soap and water to clean your hands.