What is the difference between respiratory droplets and airborne transmission?

Respiratory droplets and airborne transmission differ primarily in their size and how they behave in the environment. Respiratory droplets are typically larger and are expelled from the respiratory tract during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or talking. Due to their larger size, these droplets generally fall to the ground or surfaces quickly, usually within a distance of about six feet. Because of this rapid settling, respiratory droplets do not remain suspended in the air for extended periods.

On the other hand, airborne transmission involves smaller particles that can remain suspended in the air for much longer periods, allowing them to travel farther distances. These airborne particles are often less than 5 micrometers in diameter and can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, facilitating the spread of infectious diseases.

Thus, the aspect that respiratory droplets do not remain in the air as long as airborne particles is a key distinction that helps understand how certain illnesses spread and the precautions necessary to prevent transmission.