Application of the updated CDC isolation guidelines for health care facilities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published updated guidelines for isolation precautions that outline how health care workers can prevent the transmission of infectious agents to their patients and to themselves. The guidelines re-emphasize standard precautions, which guide clinicians in the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), depending on the expected type of exposure. Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette is incorporated into infection control practices as a new component of standard precautions. The article provides information on the new guidelines as well as information on newly emerging pathogens and methods to prevent disease transmission in health care settings.