What is the appropriate approach to infection control when assisting a contagious passenger?

• A. Apply appropriate PPE and adhere to airline infection-control policies; practice hand hygiene.
• B. Only wear PPE if passenger is confirmed infectious.
• C. Hand hygiene is optional.
• D. No protective measures are needed.

Answer: (A)

Infection control relies on standard precautions that protect everyone by using the right PPE and practicing hand hygiene. When assisting a contagious passenger, don the airline-approved PPE before contact and follow infection-control policies (gloves, mask or respirator as needed, eye protection, gown if required) and perform hand hygiene before and after touching the passenger and after removing PPE. This approach reduces the risk of transmitting infection to the crew and other passengers, even if the passenger’s contagious status isn’t yet confirmed, and it aligns with established policies. The other options aren’t appropriate because PPE should be used whenever infectious risk is present, hand hygiene is essential and not optional, and no protective measures leaves everyone vulnerable.