Airborne transmission of respiratory viruses has been historically underestimated, with traditional views focusing on droplet and fomite transmission. However, recent evidence shows that airborne transmission, involving the inhalation of infectious aerosols (particles <5 μm), is a significant mode of transmission for many respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, influenza, rhinovirus, and RSV. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the limitations of traditional transmission models, as droplet and fomite transmission alone cannot explain the high number of superspreading events and differences in transmission between indoor and outdoor environments. The WHO and CDC have acknowledged airborne transmission as a key mode of SARS-CoV-2 spread, both short and long range. Respiratory aerosols are generated through various expiratory activities and can be smaller than 5 μm, with many being <1 μm. These aerosols can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and travel beyond 1-2 meters from the source. They can be inhaled and deposited in different parts of the respiratory tract, with smaller aerosols penetrating deeper into the lungs. Factors such as ventilation, airflow, and environmental conditions influence the transport and survival of virus-laden aerosols. The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is influenced by these factors, with poor ventilation increasing the risk of transmission in indoor settings. The transmission of respiratory viruses is influenced by the size and composition of aerosols, as well as environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and UV radiation. Viruses are often enriched in small aerosols, which can remain infectious for longer periods. The survival and transmission of viruses in aerosols depend on their physicochemical properties and the surrounding environment. UV radiation can inactivate viruses, and proper ventilation and air filtration are critical in reducing the spread of aerosol-transmitted diseases. Airborne transmission is a complex process involving the generation, transport, and deposition of virus-laden aerosols. The deposition of aerosols in the respiratory tract depends on their size and the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the airway. Larger aerosols deposit in the upper airway, while smaller aerosols can reach the alveolar region. The risk of airborne transmission is influenced by factors such as ventilation, airflow, and the presence of physical barriers. The evidence for airborne transmission of respiratory viruses is growing, and the need for updated transmission models and control measures is becoming increasingly clear. Proper ventilation, air filtration, and mask use are essential in reducing the spread of aerosol-transmitted diseases. The recognition of airborne transmission as a key mode of spread has led to the implementation of new control strategies, including improved ventilation and the use of HEPA filters. The importance of understanding and addressing airborne transmission is critical in mitigating the spread of respiratory viruses and preventing future outbreaks.Airborne transmission of respiratory viruses has been historically underestimated, with traditional views focusing on droplet and fomite transmission. However, recent evidence shows that airborne transmission, involving the inhalation of infectious aerosols (particles <5 μm), is a significant mode of transmission for many respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, influenza, rhinovirus, and RSV. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the limitations of traditional transmission models, as droplet and fomite transmission alone cannot explain the high number of superspreading events and differences in transmission between indoor and outdoor environments. The WHO and CDC have acknowledged airborne transmission as a key mode of SARS-CoV-2 spread, both short and long range. Respiratory aerosols are generated through various expiratory activities and can be smaller than 5 μm, with many being <1 μm. These aerosols can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and travel beyond 1-2 meters from the source. They can be inhaled and deposited in different parts of the respiratory tract, with smaller aerosols penetrating deeper into the lungs. Factors such as ventilation, airflow, and environmental conditions influence the transport and survival of virus-laden aerosols. The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is influenced by these factors, with poor ventilation increasing the risk of transmission in indoor settings. The transmission of respiratory viruses is influenced by the size and composition of aerosols, as well as environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and UV radiation. Viruses are often enriched in small aerosols, which can remain infectious for longer periods. The survival and transmission of viruses in aerosols depend on their physicochemical properties and the surrounding environment. UV radiation can inactivate viruses, and proper ventilation and air filtration are critical in reducing the spread of aerosol-transmitted diseases. Airborne transmission is a complex process involving the generation, transport, and deposition of virus-laden aerosols. The deposition of aerosols in the respiratory tract depends on their size and the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the airway. Larger aerosols deposit in the upper airway, while smaller aerosols can reach the alveolar region. The risk of airborne transmission is influenced by factors such as ventilation, airflow, and the presence of physical barriers. The evidence for airborne transmission of respiratory viruses is growing, and the need for updated transmission models and control measures is becoming increasingly clear. Proper ventilation, air filtration, and mask use are essential in reducing the spread of aerosol-transmitted diseases. The recognition of airborne transmission as a key mode of spread has led to the implementation of new control strategies, including improved ventilation and the use of HEPA filters. The importance of understanding and addressing airborne transmission is critical in mitigating the spread of respiratory viruses and preventing future outbreaks.