飛沫感染(ひまつかんせん)

飛沫(ひまつ) (droplets, spray) + 感染(かんせん) (infection). Refers to the spread of pathogens through tiny droplets expelled from the mouth or nose during coughing, sneezing, or speaking. Became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Common collocations

• 飛沫感染(ひまつかんせん)を防(ふせ)ぐ: prevent droplet infection
• 飛沫感染(ひまつかんせん)の対策(たいさく): measures against droplet transmission
• 飛沫感染(ひまつかんせん)のリスク: risk of droplet infection
• 飛沫感染(ひまつかんせん)経路(けいろ): droplet transmission route

Similar words

• 空気感染(くうきかんせん): airborne infection — transmitted via smaller particles that remain suspended longer
• 接触感染(せっしょくかんせん): contact infection — transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces

Usage

Distinguished from 空気感染(くうきかんせん) in that droplets are larger and heavier, typically falling within about 2 meters. Preventive measures include wearing masks, maintaining distance, and ventilating rooms.