Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesTransmissionDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionOutbreaks

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Types

Transmission

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Outbreaks

A virus or bacteria that is airborne tends to spread easily and may be harder to control than pathogens—microscopic causes of disease—that are spread in other ways.

This article looks at some of the airborne viruses and bacteria that cause disease in humans. It also discusses the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these illnesses.

Verywell / Ellen Lindner

Types of Airborne Disease

Airborne diseases are spread through aerosolized particles that are small enough to travel through the air.

Airborne transmission is not the same as droplet transmission. Droplet diseases travel on larger respiratory droplets that can only travel short distances. These diseases spread through close contact or on surfaces and aren’t as easy to catch.

There are many different types of airborne diseases. Some of the most common include:

Some viruses, such as those that cause the common cold, are capable of mutating (changing) quickly. For that reason, this list is not comprehensive but meant to give examples of some of the most common types of airborne diseases.

How Long Are You Contagious With a Cold?

How Airborne Diseases Are Transmitted

Airborne viruses and bacteria are small enough to become aerosolized. An infected individual can spread them through coughing, sneezing, breathing, and talking.

A susceptible person is someone who has not established immunity to the virus through vaccination or previous infection, or who may have an underlying illness or a weakened immune system that makes them likely to get an infection.

Can Airborne Diseases Live on Surfaces?

In general, most airborne viruses are pretty unstable once they leave the body of their host. However, droplets of infected body fluids cannot be underestimated in the role of transmission, and precautions to avoid infection via this route are absolutely necessary.

Infectious Life of COVID-19 on Surfaces and Fabrics

Why Some Airborne Diseases Are Seasonal

Weather is an important factor in the transmission of any airborne illness. This is why many of these diseases have a season. The flu, for example, usually peaks during months when it is cold outside and people may be confined indoors with poor ventilation.

Additionally, ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is harmful to infectious particles, so airborne viruses are less infectious during long summer days with plenty of sunshine. Humidity levels also play a role, with low relative humidity levels making it easier for airborne diseases to spread.

If your healthcare provider suspects an airborne disease, they may do a nose or throat swab to check for the presence of certain pathogens. They may also do a procedure called abronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) to collect a sample from your lungs.

Blood tests, or the analysis of other bodily fluids, are sometimes helpful in diagnosing airborne diseases.

Generally, airborne viruses cannot be treated with medication. However, if the type ofvirus you’ve contracted is the flu, antiviral medications such as Tamiflu can shorten its length if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Managing Symptoms

Cough and cold medications may also be used to manage symptoms but should be used with caution, particularly if you are taking other medications. They should not be given to children under 2.

Can Cold Medicines Actually Alleviate Your Symptoms? Here’s What Experts Say

Rest

Most cases of infection involving common viruses like colds and flu produce annoying symptoms that can be treated at home with fluids and rest.

Your body needs adequate rest to recover from an airborne virus. Stay at home and get plenty of sleep. Do not go to work or to school.

Prescription Medications

In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed. For example, there are four FDA-approved antivirals sometimes given to shorten the duration and severity of influenza infections:

Antivirals may also be prescribed to treat or prevent severe COVID-19. These include:

Sometimes, healthcare providers will also prescribe antibiotics in severe cases of viral infection in order to prevent secondary infections such as pneumonia. Secondary infections can occur because your immune system is already weakened from the viral infection. Secondary infections can sometimes be more dangerous than the initial airborne viral infection.

COVID-19 Treatments: What You Need to Know

Hospitalization

Hospitalization may be required if dehydration or breathing problems occur. The age and underlying health of an individual also plays an important role in how seriously ill someone becomes.

Preventing Airborne Diseases

Many causes of airborne diseases are preventable. If you know a certain airborne disease such as COVID-19 is spreading in your area, it is a good idea to take precautions so you’ll avoid getting it.

Vaccines

Vaccinations exist for airborne diseases such as COVID-19, measles, and varicella. Vaccines have been vital in reducing the number of infections and deaths from these diseases. The best way to protect yourself or others from vaccine-preventable airborne diseases is to get vaccinated.

Hygiene

As with all infectious diseases, proper hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of airborne viruses. In particular, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.Wash your handsfrequently and stay at home when you are sick.

It is estimated that you can breathe in airborne viruses easily if you are within about 6 feet of an infected individual. It’s a good idea to maintain a healthy distance from anyone known to be infected with these viruses.

Good Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential in preventing the spread of airborne viruses. In modern hospitals, high-tech ventilation systems turn over the air at a high rate to prevent the spread of infection. Natural ventilation using doors and windows can also be helpful in some situations (particularly residential areas where pollution or insects are not a concern).

Properly maintaining the ventilation system in your home or adding special filters may also help to prevent the spread of illness.

Wear a Mask

Are Hospitals Dirty? How Hospitals Prevent and Control Infections

Past Outbreaks of Airborne Viruses

Prior to the development and widespread use of the measles vaccine, measles caused an estimated 3 to 4 million infections in the United States each year. Of those infected, an estimated 400 to 500 died, another 48,000 had to be hospitalized, and roughly 1,000 experienced a dangerous complication called encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

COVID-19 caused approximately 7 million deaths between January 2020 and June 2023.

On the flip side, another airborne illness, the common cold, doesn’t inspire significant fear among the public; most people experience several colds a year and symptoms rarely become serious.

Summary

Some examples of airborne diseases include COVID-19, chickenpox, and measles. Many airborne diseases are preventable with vaccination. Taking precautions such as hand washing and wearing a mask can also help prevent the spread of airborne diseases.

18 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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