Coughing near another person is an example of what type of germ spread?

Coughing near another person is classified as droplet spread of germs because it involves the release of respiratory droplets that can carry infectious agents. When a person coughs, tiny droplets containing pathogens are expelled into the air and can travel a short distance before settling onto surfaces or being inhaled by someone nearby. This form of transmission is particularly significant in the spread of respiratory illnesses, as these droplets can contain viruses or bacteria that can infect others.

Direct spread of germs would require physical contact, while indirect spread involves contamination of surfaces or objects that someone else touches. Biological spread generally pertains to vectors, like insects, transmitting diseases, which is not applicable in the scenario of coughing. Thus, droplet spread is the most accurate description of how germs can be transmitted when someone coughs in close proximity to another person.