Which of the following is an example of droplet transmission?

Droplet transmission occurs when infectious respiratory droplets, typically expelled during activities like coughing, sneezing, or talking, come into contact with a person in close proximity. When someone coughs, they can release droplets that contain pathogens into the air, which can then be inhaled by nearby individuals. This type of transmission is particularly significant in the spread of respiratory infections, such as influenza or COVID-19, where close contact with an infected individual increases the risk of infection.

The other options illustrate different methods of transmission. Inhaling air contaminated by an infected person relates more to airborne transmission, which involves smaller particles that can linger in the air for longer distances. Touching surfaces contaminated with pathogens describes fomite transmission, where infection occurs via contact with contaminated surfaces. Consuming food shared with an infected person may suggest oral-fecal transmission or direct contact with pathogens, but does not classify as droplet transmission. Therefore, being within close contact with a coughing individual is the most accurate representation of droplet transmission.