Which diseases require the implementation of airborne precautions?

Airborne precautions are necessary for diseases that can be transmitted through the air, specifically when infectious particles become aerosolized and can remain suspended in the air for long periods. Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, falls under this category. It is highly contagious and can be spread not only through direct contact with the rash but also through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The small viral particles can linger in the air, leading to the possibility of transmission even in the absence of the infected person if another individual breathes in the contaminated air.

In contrast, while influenza is an airborne virus, it is primarily spread through larger respiratory droplets, which means it typically does not require the same level of precautions as chickenpox. Mumps and streptococcal infections also have different transmission methods and are primarily spread through direct contact or respiratory droplets rather than being considered airborne in the same way as chickenpox. Therefore, implementing airborne precautions is essential for controlling the spread of chickenpox in healthcare settings.