Contact precautions are infection control measures aimed at preventing the transmission of infectious agents that spread through direct contact.

Here are some key points to consider regarding contact precautions:

• Infectious agents like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile (C. diff), and Norovirus require contact precautions due to their ability to spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
• To break the chain of infection, it is essential to use gowns and gloves when encountering individuals or environments that may be contaminated.
• Gowns serve as a barrier, covering both the healthcare worker’s clothing and preventing direct contact with infectious agents.
• Gloves act as a protective barrier for the hands, preventing the transmission of microorganisms from contaminated surfaces or infected individuals.
• Properly covering hands and clothing with gloves and gowns helps prevent the spread of infectious agents and protects both healthcare workers and patients.

It is important to adhere to contact precautions and follow proper infection control practices to minimize the risk of transmitting and acquiring infections through direct contact.