Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

I do not understand the difference between Standard Precautions and Transmission Precautions.

Certain pathogens are especially dangerous because they are easily transmitted and have the potential of causing epidemics. Based on the specific pathogen (and how it is transmitted), airborne, droplet, or contact precautions will be initiated. Standard Precautions are always in effect where the patient is, while Transmission Precautions are not.

Is it true that health care workers are at great risk of contracting AIDS and hepatitis B by working with blood and body fluids so often in the course of work?

Following Standard Precautions at all times protects the health care worker. In terms of contracting either AIDS or hepatitis B, hepatitis is the greater threat. Completing the hepatitis B vaccinations is valuable in protecting oneself from accidental exposure.

I do not understand why there are so many nosocomial infections. There must be something else causing the problems if the health care workers are following Standard Precautions.

The problem is that many health care workers do not follow the Standard Precautions at all times. Any break in the adherence to strict Standard Precautions places the patient in jeopardy.

When I get a sore throat or cold symptoms, I have asked for an antibiotic. I do not understand why sometimes I get one and sometimes I don’t.

Antibiotics are effective only when the source of the problem is determined to be bacterial. If it is a virus, taking unnecessary antibiotics increases the risk of developing drug-resistant organisms.

It seems that there is a lot of talk about tuberculosis in the United States lately. I thought this was eliminated years ago.

There has been an increase in the last decade or so due to increased global travel and the development of resistant strains resulting from patients’ not taking the full, prescribed course of treatment.