Which of the following types of infection transmission occur via coughing or sneezing?

Droplet transmission is the correct answer because it specifically refers to the spread of infectious pathogens through respiratory droplets expelled when a person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. These larger droplets can travel short distances (typically up to about 1 meter) and can directly enter the mucous membranes of another person's mouth or nose, leading to infection.

In contrast, contact transmission involves the transfer of pathogens through direct physical contact with infected individuals or surfaces, which is not relevant to the act of coughing or sneezing. Vectorborne transmission pertains to infections spread through vectors, such as insects, rather than through respiratory droplets. Airborne transmission involves much smaller particles that can remain suspended in the air for a longer time and travel greater distances, but this is distinct from droplet transmission, which occurs via larger respiratory droplets. Understanding these different methods of transmission is crucial for implementing appropriate infection control measures.