5 ways people could transmit the coronavirus — from respiratory droplets to semen — ranked in order of risk

5 ways people could transmit the coronavirus — from respiratory droplets to semen — ranked in order of risk. The coronavirus has one main mode of transmission: respiratory droplets that leave a person's mouth or nose when they sneeze, cough, or talk. Studies have also found virus particles in the air as aerosols, as well as in feces and semen, but those pose less of a transmission threat. Coronavirus particles have been found in spit, mucus, poop, semen, floating through the air, and on various surfaces, like doorknobs and packages. But your chances of getting sick after coming into contact with the virus in these different situations vary. Here are the five ways we know the coronavirus can spread, and how risky each one is for you.