What personal protective equipment should be used when entering a patient's room under droplet precaution for influenza?

When entering a patient's room under droplet precautions for influenza, the appropriate personal protective equipment includes a regular (string) mask. Droplet precautions are designed to protect healthcare workers from respiratory infections that can be transmitted via respiratory droplets generated when the patient coughs, sneezes, or talks. A regular mask is effective in blocking larger droplets, which is the primary concern in droplet transmission, making it suitable for influenza.

The use of a regular mask provides sufficient protection in this scenario, as it serves to keep the droplets from reaching the healthcare worker. This choice matches the transmission characteristics of influenza, meaning that a simple surgical or procedure mask can help minimize exposure without the need for more specialized equipment.

In contrast, an N95 fit-tested respirator is typically reserved for airborne precautions, which would be for diseases that can remain suspended in the air for longer distances, such as tuberculosis or COVID-19. A disposable gown and disposable gloves are generally used to protect against contact transmission, and while they may be appropriate in some situations, they are not specifically protective against droplet transmission in the context of influenza.