Final answer:
Influenza, also known as the flu, is an example of an illness that is transmitted through airborne transmission. This occurs when infected individuals expel pathogens in droplets by coughing or sneezing, which can then be inhaled by others.
Step-by-step explanation:
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a prime example of an illness that spreads through airborne transmission. This infectious disease is transmitted when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, releasing microscopic pathogens into the air in droplets.
These droplets can be inhaled by others, leading to new infections. Covering one's mouth when coughing or sneezing can significantly reduce the dissemination of these pathogens.
Outbreaks of influenza can be regional and are referred to as epidemics. However, when the disease spreads more widely and affects a large geographical area over many months, such situations are known as pandemics.
The role of modern transportation, especially air travel, has amplified the risks of transcontinental spread of diseases like the flu by allowing infected individuals to move across large distances, sometimes without showing any symptoms initially.
Other respiratory diseases can also spread through airborne transmission, ensuring that despite advances in medicine and public health, respiratory pathogens will likely continue to pose a significant health challenge.