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When there is an isolated case of suspected airborne infection, the individual would be kept in a single room with negative pressure ventilation. However, what if there is a large breakout of an airborne infection which has affected many patients? In such cases, one should contact the infectious disease expert to determine where and how these patients should be isolated. If the facility doesn't have a properly ventilated room, the patient should be transferred to a facility with such accommodations. Arrangements for transfer should be coordinated between the two institutions so that a minimum never of people are involved during the transfer. If a single room is not available, there should be a physical separation of the patient from others. Managing Deceased Patients When a patient is deceased, airborne precautions are necessary when handling and preparing the body during transfer to the morgue and an autopsy. Managing specimens and rooms of patients and with airborne infections Once a patient with an infectious disorder like measles, tuberculosis or varicella has been discharged, it is important to continue airborne precautions and decontaminate the room. Upon discharge or discontinuation of airborne precautions, the door must remain closed and negative air flow maintained until all air in the room has been recirculated/placed. This process usually requires 45 to 60 minutes. Masks, face shields, and goggles help protect the mucous membrane of the eyes, mouth, and nose from exposure to the patient's excretions and aerosols. These devices should be used when performing any procedure which can result in the generation of air sprays such as during suctioning. A mask should only be used once, and when it is wet or soiled, it should be changed/ All reusable equipment must be disinfected before being used again Soiled linen: the role of soiled linen in disease transmission is negligible, but still housekeeping should use common sense hygienic practices when handling linen. Soiled linen should be handled with gloves and away from the body with minimal agitation to prevent dispersion of microorganisms into the air. The laundry hamper should be close to the location so that the linen can be placed inside rather than carry it a long distance. If there is obvious contamination with body fluids, the linen should be placed in a plastic bag, and laundry personally should be told to wear gloves, also an apron when handling the linen. Proper handling and transport of specimens: All body specimens should be considered to be infectious and handled safely. The specimen container should be properly closed and clean on the outside. All requisition should be free of body fluid. The specimen container must be placed in a sealed plastic bag. When performing an invasive procedure on an infected patient, one should away use an aseptic technique that prevents the transfer of microorganisms from the patient to the healthcare staff. Aseptic techniques include: Hand washing with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer Opening surgery instrument sets and supplies only when they are ready to be used Preparing the patient's skin with an antiseptic like chlorhexidine Covering the patient with an appropriately sized sterile drape to prevent transferring microorganisms from the patient’s skin or the environment to the exposed areas during the procedure Use of single-use clean gloves or sterile gloves, sterile gown, mask, as indicated by the specific procedure being performed The management of airborne infections is with an interprofessional team aided by hospital guidelines and rules. All healthcare workers including the nurse have a vital role in preventing airborne infections. an interprofessional team approach involving clinicians and nurses will produce the best results in preventing the spread of infections. The following principles should apply:Mostly, antibiotics or antiviral drugs are not usually prescribed to prevent or control infections caused by viruses. However, antibiotics may be prescribed to a patient with the flu, to control or prevent secondary bacterial infections.Recommendations from the CDC for the public include maintaining careful hygiene and sanitation protocols and getting vaccinated against the organisms associated with airborne infections.If the number of negative pressure rooms is limited, set priority for use. For example, infectious tuberculosis is the highest booty followed by measles, then variceal then disseminated zoster and finally extensive localized zoster.In an emergency situation, when there is no airborne isolation room, at least, pull the privacy curtains and require all personnel to wear an N95 respirator. Ask visitors and other patients to leave the area.One may also use UV air purification devices that are EPR certified and FDA approved to inactivate a wide range of airborne infectious disorders.It is important that all health care workers be aware of their immune status. Individuals who have problems with immunity or have not been vaccinated should not be allowed to take care of patients with vaccine preventive airborne infections like chicken pox or measles.