Airborne Transmission

Airborne transmission refers to the spread of infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses, through the air via respiratory droplets or small particles. Unlike droplet transmission, which occurs when larger respiratory droplets fall to the ground within a short distance, airborne transmission involves smaller particles that can remain suspended in the air for extended periods. Common examples of airborne transmission include respiratory viruses like influenza, measles, and tuberculosis. These infectious agents can be expelled from an infected person's respiratory tract during coughing, sneezing, talking, or even breathing. The tiny particles can travel through the air, infecting individuals who inhale them. Preventive measures for airborne transmission include proper ventilation, wearing masks, and maintaining physical distancing. Airborne precautions in healthcare settings involve using specialized equipment like N95 respirators to protect healthcare workers from inhaling infectious particles. Understanding the dynamics of airborne transmission is crucial in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies provide guidelines to mitigate the risk of airborne transmission, especially during pandemics.

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