How does exposure to infectious diseases affect nurses?
Working in close proximity with patients, nurses are at a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases like influenza, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), adherence to infection control protocols, and vaccination can help mitigate these risks. However, lapses in these preventive measures can lead to illness, which affects not only the nurse's health but also their ability to care for patients.