How do coughing and sneezing spread influenza virus particles?

Influenza virus particles are spread through coughing and sneezing primarily via two mechanisms:

• Droplet transmission: Coughing and sneezing expel large, heavy droplets containing the virus. These droplets can land directly on the eyes, nose, or mouth of another individual, allowing the virus to enter the respiratory tract.12
• Airborne transmission: Influenza can also be transmitted as aerosolized particles. These small, aerosolized particles are released into the air through coughing or sneezing and can be inhaled by others.1

Once these virus particles gain entry into the body, they target and destroy the ciliated epithelial cells lining the upper respiratory tract, bronchial tubes, and trachea. While these respiratory routes are primary, influenza can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, known as fomites.21