Which condition requires airborne infection precautions that would prevent rooming with another patient?

The condition that requires airborne infection precautions is varicella, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This illness is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets as well as airborne transmission. Airborne infection precautions are specifically designed to protect against infections that can be transmitted through airborne particles, which can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and travel distances.

Due to varicella's contagious nature, patients with this condition must be placed in private rooms to prevent the spread of the virus to others, especially those who are not immune. This isolation helps to contain the infection and is key in managing public health and safety.

Other infections listed, such as salmonella and rotavirus, are primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route and do not require airborne precautions. Influenza, while contagious, primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and does not necessitate the strict airborne precautions that varicella does. Therefore, ensuring the proper isolation measures for varicella is crucial in healthcare settings to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.