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That's the definition of "aerosol transmission" here.

Depending on the drop size and the viral load in those drops, depends on how far it will travel in air, how long it will be suspended in air, what potency it has, and how likely someone other can get infected when it's inhaled.

It's how the most common virus is transmitted...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_cold#Transmission

"The common cold virus is typically transmitted via airborne droplets (aerosols), direct contact with infected nasal secretions, or fomites (contaminated objects)."

A person with Ebola going through a crowded airport and sneezing could infect dozens of other people under the right circumstances (virus strain, load, etc).



A person with a viral load that high in their upper airway would not be in a condition to go walking through an airport.




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