Understanding Infectious Disease Transmission: 3 Common Pathways

1. Direct contact: This means coming into physical contact with an infected person or animal, such as through touching, kissing, or sexual intercourse.

2. Indirect contact: This means coming into contact with something that has been contaminated with the infectious agent, such as a doorknob, a drinking fountain, or a shared toy.

3. Airborne transmission: This means breathing in airborne droplets or aerosols that contain the infectious agent, such as when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.