Which precautions are required for varicella zoster virus in clinical settings?

• A. Airborne with respirator
• B. Standard precautions
• C. Droplet with surgical mask
• D. Contact with gloves

Answer: (A)

Varicella zoster virus spreads through airborne particles from respiratory secretions and vesicle material, so protecting healthcare workers requires airborne precautions in addition to standard precautions. Using a respirator (N95 or higher) is necessary because the virus can travel as small aerosols that surgical masks don’t reliably filter. Droplet precautions with a surgical mask target larger droplets only and don’t fully address airborne transmission, while contact precautions cover touching contaminated surfaces or lesions but don’t prevent inhalation of aerosolized virus. By implementing airborne precautions with a respirator, you effectively reduce the risk of transmission in the clinical setting.