Which patients should be considered infectious?

Infectious patients are typically those exhibiting signs and symptoms of contagious diseases, such as fever, cough, or open wounds. Specific populations include patients diagnosed with respiratory infections (e.g., influenza, COVID-19), gastrointestinal infections (e.g., norovirus), or any condition with a known transmission risk (e.g., tuberculosis). Additionally, immunocompromised individuals may pose a risk to others, even in the absence of overt symptoms. It's essential to follow public health guidelines and protocols to identify and manage potentially infectious patients effectively.