What is a key component of TB infection control in healthcare settings?

Establishing isolation measures for infectious patients is a fundamental component of tuberculosis (TB) infection control in healthcare settings. These measures are critical because TB is primarily spread through airborne droplets when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or talks. By isolating patients who are confirmed or suspected to have active TB, healthcare facilities can significantly reduce the risk of transmission to both healthcare workers and other patients.

Isolation typically involves placing the patient in a designated area that has proper ventilation to prevent the spread of TB bacteria. This can include negative pressure rooms, which help to ensure that airborne pathogens do not circulate outside of the isolated area. The implementation of such isolation measures is essential to protect vulnerable populations, especially those with weakened immune systems, and to contain outbreaks within healthcare settings.

In contrast, while antibiotics are important for treating TB, merely prescribing them does not address the immediate risks of transmission within healthcare facilities. Barrier nursing techniques and dietary supplements may play supportive roles in patient care but are not as directly effective in controlling the spread of TB as isolation measures.