What type of PPE is primarily used for droplet transmission?

Masks are primarily used for droplet transmission because they cover the nose and mouth, blocking respiratory droplets that may contain infectious agents from being inhaled. When a person coughs, sneezes, or talks, they can release droplets into the air, and masks act as a barrier to prevent these droplets from reaching others. This is particularly important in healthcare settings, where patients may have respiratory infections that can be transmitted through droplets that travel short distances.

While gloves, gowns, and face shields are also important components of personal protective equipment (PPE) and serve specific purposes, they do not primarily address droplet transmission. Gloves protect against direct contact with bodily fluids, gowns provide a barrier for skin and clothing, and face shields offer eye protection and can help block larger droplets but are not as effective as masks at preventing inhalation of smaller droplets. Therefore, masks are the key protective measure against droplet transmission in healthcare environments.