Which of the following is classified as an airborne illness?

Influenza is classified as an airborne illness because it is primarily spread through respiratory droplets that are generated when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can remain suspended in the air for short periods and can be inhaled by individuals nearby, leading to new infections. This mode of transmission highlights the importance of respiratory hygiene and measures such as mask-wearing to mitigate the spread of the virus, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces.

On the other hand, cholera is waterborne, transmitted through contaminated water sources. Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites, thus it is vector-borne, not airborne. Salmonellosis is typically spread through the consumption of contaminated food or water and is not transmitted through the air. Understanding these modes of transmission helps in implementing effective prevention strategies for each specific illness.