Introduction to droplet transmission:

Parents want to prevent their children from catching unnecessary infections. Understanding how diseases can spread makes them easier to prevent.

What is droplet transmission?

Droplet transmission occurs when bacteria or viruses travel on relatively large respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough, drip, or exhale. They travel only short distances before settling, usually less than 3 feet. These droplets are loaded with infectious particles.

They can be spread directly if people are close enough to each other. More often, though, fomites are involved. The droplets land on hands, toys, tables, mats, or other surfaces, where they sometimes remain infectious for hours. Hands that come in contact with these surfaces (doorknobs, telephones, pens, etc.) become contagious. When the infectious hand touches the nose or eyes, the infection is able to enter the new person.

Many common infections can spread by droplet transmission in at least some cases, including:
Common cold
Diphtheria
Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum)
Influenza
Meningitis
Mycoplasma
Mumps
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Plague
Rubella
Strep (strep throat, scarlet fever, pneumonia)

How can droplet transmission be prevented?

Frequent hand cleansing, especially with instant hand sanitizers, can help prevent droplet transmission. Hand cleansing is most important before eating and before touching the nose or eyes.

Covering the mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing decreases droplet spread—and makes hand cleansing even more important.

Using disposable towels and cups reduces the risk for infection. Cleaning or disinfecting commonly touched infected surfaces (doorknobs, faucet handles, shared toys, mats in daycare) can also help.