What does respiratory droplets mean?

Respiratory droplets are tiny liquid particles expelled from the respiratory tract when a person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. These droplets vary in size and can carry pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, potentially leading to the transmission of diseases. Typically, respiratory droplets are larger than 5 micrometers and can travel short distances before settling on surfaces or being inhaled by others. They play a significant role in the spread of respiratory infections, such as influenza and COVID-19.