How do viruses transmit?

1. Airborne Transmission:

a. Respiratory Droplets: When an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes, respiratory droplets containing the virus are released into the air. Others can become infected by inhaling these droplets if they are in close contact with the infected person.

b. Aerosols: Some viruses can remain suspended in the air in smaller respiratory droplets called aerosols. These aerosols can travel over longer distances and remain infectious for an extended period, increasing the risk of transmission in enclosed or crowded spaces.

2. Contact Transmission:

a. Direct Contact: This occurs when an uninfected person touches or comes into direct physical contact with bodily fluids of an infected person, such as blood, saliva, mucus, or open sores.

b. Indirect Contact (Fomite Transmission): The virus can survive on surfaces or objects (known as fomites) for varying amounts of time. If an uninfected person touches a contaminated surface or object and then touches their face (eyes, nose, or mouth), the virus can enter their body and cause infection.

3. Fecal-Oral Transmission:

The virus can be present in the feces of an infected person. If sanitary conditions are poor, and someone ingests contaminated food or water, they may become infected.

4. Animal-to-Person Transmission (Zoonosis):

Some viruses can transmit from animals to humans. This can occur through contact with infected animals or consuming their raw or undercooked meat or products.

5. Bloodborne Transmission:

Certain viruses can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or blood products, including during blood transfusions, needle-sharing, or organ transplantation.

6. Sexual Transmission:

A few viruses can be transmitted through sexual contact. The virus may be present in semen, vaginal fluids, or other bodily fluids exchanged during sexual activity.