Which type of infection is acquired by inhaling droplets of saliva or sputum containing viruses?

The correct choice is associated with the transmission of pathogens through respiratory droplets that are expelled when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. These droplets typically travel short distances and can be inhaled by someone close by, leading to the acquisition of infections such as the flu, COVID-19, or other respiratory illnesses. The droplet size is usually greater than 5 micrometers, allowing them to settle quickly from the air.

This mode of transmission is particularly relevant in crowded or confined spaces where such droplets can accumulate and increase the likelihood of infection. Understanding droplet transmission is crucial for implementing infection control measures, such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distance to reduce the risk of spreading infections.

In contrast, contact infections involve the transfer of pathogens through direct or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or individuals, airborne infections are caused by smaller particles that can remain suspended in the air for extended periods, and vector-borne infections are transmitted through organisms like mosquitoes or ticks.