Which term describes additional precautions taken to prevent transmission of infectious agents between people?

• A. Hand Hygiene
• B. PPE
• C. Sterilization
• D. Isolation

Answer: (D)

Isolation refers to the extra precautions taken to prevent transmission of infectious agents between people. It involves separating infected individuals or protecting others who are susceptible, using measures matched to how the disease spreads (such as contact, droplet, or airborne precautions), often with a dedicated room and equipment.

Hand hygiene is a fundamental practice that helps prevent transmission, but it describes a single action rather than the overall strategy of preventing spread between people. PPE is a tool used within these precautions, not the overarching concept itself. Sterilization focuses on cleaning equipment to kill their contaminants, not on the ongoing separation and protection of people from transmission.

So, the term that describes these added steps to prevent transmission between people is isolation.