Coughing near another person is an example of which type of germ spread?

Coughing near another person is indeed an example of droplet spread of germs. When someone coughs, they release tiny droplets of saliva and mucus into the air, which can contain infectious agents. These droplets can travel a short distance, typically around six feet, and can be inhaled by someone nearby, leading to the potential transmission of diseases such as the flu or common cold. This mode of transmission highlights the importance of maintaining distance and employing respiratory hygiene, such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing.

Other types of germ spread, such as airborne spread, would involve pathogens that remain suspended in the air over longer distances and times, which is different from the shorter and larger droplets produced by a cough. Contact spread typically refers to germs being transferred through physical touch, while vector-borne spread involves transmission through vectors like insects, which is not applicable in this case. Thus, the choice that best describes the action of coughing near another person is the droplet spread of germs.