Standard precautions for reducing the transmission of respiratory droplets infections include:

1. Hand hygiene - frequent washing of hands with soap and water, avoiding touching ones mouth, nose, and eyes and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers or virucidal hand treatments (povidone iodine, salicylic acid).
2. Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette - covering the nose and mouth when coughing with a tissue or coughing into the elbow, disposing of used tissues promptly, keeping a distance of three feet from the affected person and practicing hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions.
3. Health care workers should use gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, as appropriate, when in contact with infected patients.

Dr KK Aggarwal

President CMAAO, HCFI and Past National President IMA