2012
Droplet Precautions
Looking for more health information?
Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazine articles and online health information.
For a list of public libraries in Nova Scotia go to www.publiclibraries.ns.ca
Capital Health promotes a smoke-free and scent-free environment.
Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you!
Capital Health, Nova Scotia
www.cdha.nshealth.ca
Prepared by: Infection Control Department, Capital Health ©
Illustrations by: LifeART Health Care 1 Images, Copyright © 1994, TechPool Studios Corp. USA
Designed and Printed by: Capital Health Audio Visual and Printing Departments
The information in this brochure is provided for information and education purposes only.
The information is not intended to be and does not constitute healthcare or medical advice.
If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider.
WC85-0303 Revised June 2012
The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years.
Still have Questions?
If you require more information, please ask your nurse or
ask to speak to an Infection Control Practitioner.
You can contact the Infection Control Department at
(902) 473-2659 (main office).
4
Droplet Precautions
Some illnesses, such as influenza (or flu), and even the
common cold can be spread when “droplets” produced
from coughing and sneezing make contact with others.
These droplets usually travel a short distance, about 2
meters (6 1/2 feet).
If these droplets land on the
eyes, nose, or mouth, there is
a good chance of spreading
your illness to someone else.
Germs can also fall on nearby
surfaces and may remain
alive there for minutes to
hours.
When we touch our face, blow our nose, or cough into
our hands, the germs left on the hands can be moved to
surfaces or items such as telephones or doorknobs. The
next person to touch that item now has these germs on
his/her hands.
In order to prevent the spread of these illnesses in the
health care setting, special measures must be taken by
both health care workers and patients.
Patients who have, or who are thought to have, an
illness spread by the droplet method are placed on extra
measures known as “Droplet Precautions”.
1
What will staff do differently?
What about visitors?
Staff will wear a mask when close to you. They may wear
eye protection, a gown, or gloves depending on the type
of care you require.
A “Droplet Precautions” sign is placed above the head
of your bed, reminding staff what they need to do to
prevent the spread of your illness to themselves or to
other patients.
You may be in a private room, or you may have
roommates. Staff will pull the privacy curtain between
the beds in multiple bed rooms. Roommates will be
instructed to keep a distance of at least 2 meters (6 1/2
feet) from you.
We request that visitors be kept to a minimum, with no
more than 2 at a time.
Infants, very young children and persons with weak
immune systems should not visit.
Visitors should check at the nurse’s desk for instruction on
the appropriate use of a mask and hand washing.
What can I do?
To prevent spreading illness, always cover your coughs
and sneezes. You can cover with your hands and a fresh
tissue. Another option is to sneeze or cough into the
crook of your elbow or
sleeve.
Wash hands with soap and
water or clean with alcoholbased hand rub right after
coughing or sneezing into
your hands or after blowing
your nose. Dispose of used
tissues in the garbage right
away. You may be asked to
wear a mask when out of your room.
2
When will Droplet Precautions be lifted?
An Infection Control Practitioner along with your health
care team will decide when Droplet Precautions can
be lifted. This will depend on your symptoms and the
stage of your illness. If a droplet type illness is ruled out,
Droplet Precautions can be discontinued.
What can I do at home and in the community
to prevent spreading droplet type illness
such as influenza?
• Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand
rub after coughing or sneezing and before eating.
• Try to keep your hands away from your face.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• When you are ill, keep your distance from others.
• Stay home when you are ill.
• Get your yearly flu immunization and other vaccines.
3
What will staff do differently?
What about visitors?
Staff will wear a mask when close to you. They may wear
eye protection, a gown, or gloves depending on the type
of care you require.
A “Droplet Precautions” sign is placed above the head
of your bed, reminding staff what they need to do to
prevent the spread of your illness to themselves or to
other patients.
You may be in a private room, or you may have
roommates. Staff will pull the privacy curtain between
the beds in multiple bed rooms. Roommates will be
instructed to keep a distance of at least 2 meters (6 1/2
feet) from you.
We request that visitors be kept to a minimum, with no
more than 2 at a time.
Infants, very young children and persons with weak
immune systems should not visit.
Visitors should check at the nurse’s desk for instruction on
the appropriate use of a mask and hand washing.
What can I do?
To prevent spreading illness, always cover your coughs
and sneezes. You can cover with your hands and a fresh
tissue. Another option is to sneeze or cough into the
crook of your elbow or
sleeve.
Wash hands with soap and
water or clean with alcoholbased hand rub right after
coughing or sneezing into
your hands or after blowing
your nose. Dispose of used
tissues in the garbage right
away. You may be asked to
wear a mask when out of your room.
2
When will Droplet Precautions be lifted?
An Infection Control Practitioner along with your health
care team will decide when Droplet Precautions can
be lifted. This will depend on your symptoms and the
stage of your illness. If a droplet type illness is ruled out,
Droplet Precautions can be discontinued.
What can I do at home and in the community
to prevent spreading droplet type illness
such as influenza?
• Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand
rub after coughing or sneezing and before eating.
• Try to keep your hands away from your face.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• When you are ill, keep your distance from others.
• Stay home when you are ill.
• Get your yearly flu immunization and other vaccines.
3
Still have Questions?
If you require more information, please ask your nurse or
ask to speak to an Infection Control Practitioner.
You can contact the Infection Control Department at
(902) 473-2659 (main office).
4
Droplet Precautions
Some illnesses, such as influenza (or flu), and even the
common cold can be spread when “droplets” produced
from coughing and sneezing make contact with others.
These droplets usually travel a short distance, about 2
meters (6 1/2 feet).
If these droplets land on the
eyes, nose, or mouth, there is
a good chance of spreading
your illness to someone else.
Germs can also fall on nearby
surfaces and may remain
alive there for minutes to
hours.
When we touch our face, blow our nose, or cough into
our hands, the germs left on the hands can be moved to
surfaces or items such as telephones or doorknobs. The
next person to touch that item now has these germs on
his/her hands.
In order to prevent the spread of these illnesses in the
health care setting, special measures must be taken by
both health care workers and patients.
Patients who have, or who are thought to have, an
illness spread by the droplet method are placed on extra
measures known as “Droplet Precautions”.
1
2012
Droplet Precautions
Looking for more health information?
Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazine articles and online health information.
For a list of public libraries in Nova Scotia go to www.publiclibraries.ns.ca
Capital Health promotes a smoke-free and scent-free environment.
Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you!
Capital Health, Nova Scotia
www.cdha.nshealth.ca
Prepared by: Infection Control Department, Capital Health ©
Illustrations by: LifeART Health Care 1 Images, Copyright © 1994, TechPool Studios Corp. USA
Designed and Printed by: Capital Health Audio Visual and Printing Departments
The information in this brochure is provided for information and education purposes only.
The information is not intended to be and does not constitute healthcare or medical advice.
If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider.
WC85-0303 Revised June 2012
The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years.