Which protective measure should you use when treating a patient with fever and respiratory symptoms to prevent exposure?

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Droplets from a person with fever and respiratory symptoms are a common way these infections spread. A surgical mask worn over the nose and mouth acts as a direct barrier, reducing the amount of infectious droplets that can reach your airways during close contact. This makes it the most effective single protective measure in this scenario.

Hand hygiene is essential and should be done before and after patient contact, but it doesn’t block inhalation of droplets during the encounter. Standard precautions set the baseline for all patient care, including gloves and other protections as indicated, yet a mask specifically targets the most immediate exposure route in respiratory illness. Wearing gloves alone protects against contact with surfaces or secretions but doesn’t curb droplet exposure to the mucous membranes.