How Coronavirus Is Transmitted: Here Are All the Ways It Can Spread

Respiratory droplets

Respiratory droplets are the main way that COVID-19 is transmitted. These droplets are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. They can also be produced when a person vomits or has diarrhea. Respiratory droplets can travel through the air and land on the face, mouth, or nose of another person, where the virus can enter the body.

Aerosols

Aerosols are tiny particles that can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time. They can be produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes, or when certain medical procedures are performed, such as nebulizer treatment. Aerosols can travel through the air and be inhaled by another person, where the virus can enter the body.

Contact with surfaces

COVID-19 can also be transmitted by contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. This can occur when an infected person touches a surface and then another person touches the same surface. If the uninfected person touches their face, mouth, or nose, the virus can enter their body.

Fomite transmission

Fomite transmission is the transmission of a pathogen through an object. This can occur when an infected person touches an object and then another person touches the same object. If the uninfected person touches their face, mouth, or nose, the virus can enter their body.

Environmental surfaces

The virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces for up to several days. This means that it is possible to become infected by touching a surface that has been contaminated with the virus. The risk of infection from contact with surfaces is thought to be relatively low, but it is still important to take precautions, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face.