[Isolation precautions in respiratory tract infections]

Respiratory tract infections belong to the most important infections in children and adults. One third of all infection-related hospitalizations are due to respiratory tract infections. Upper respiratory tract infections are one of the most important reasons for absence from school or work. The majority of respiratory tract infections are of viral origin. Viral infections are usually highly contagious. They are transmitted mainly by droplets, but also by direct or indirect contact via contaminated objects. Isolation precautions in respiratory tract infections are important to protect health-care workers from infection and prevent nosocomial transmission in the hospital and ambulatory care setting. Unlike for the hospital setting there are no detailed recommendations available for isolation precautions in the ambulatory care setting. Isolation precautions for outpatients are described in this article.