Airborne infection control in healthcare settings

Exposure of human beings to different airborne pathogens has resulted in the emergence of epidemics of respiratory infections. This airborne transmission becomes even more prevalent in healthcare settings because of overburdened hospitals and the presence of immunosuppressed patients. Airborne infection control measures include a three-pronged approach, namely administrative control, environmental control, and personal respiratory protection measures. To conclude, need of the hour is to assess the true contribution of airborne transmission to infection rates so that hospital administrators can implement appropriate control measures to keep respiratory infections under check.