Airborne and droplet precautions are two measures put in place to stop the spread of diseases. Airborne precautions are measures or practices used to curtail the spread of diseases that are transmitted through air. With these measures, the spread of disease causing agents that are suspended in the air can be stopped.
Droplet precautions, on the other hand, are measures and practices used to curtail the spread of diseases that are transmitted through droplets. The spread of some infectious diseases that are easily transmitted and contracted through droplets can be stopped with droplet precautions. Airborne precautions are intended to prevent the entry of infectious diseases through the respiratory system.
In contrast, droplet precautions will help stop the spread of diseases through nose, mouth, and other conjunctive areas. Droplet precautions require the use of protective gear like gloves and clothing, whereas airborne precautions do not. Due to the nature of airborne diseases, patients suffering from them need to be isolated.