Spreading through sneezing or coughing (droplet transmission) is not airborne transmission according to standard epidemiological definitions. It may be “airborne transmission” according to Shep Smith definitions or Joe on the Street definitions.
And it is not news that a majority of Americas are morons.
If you tell people it isn't airborne, they will figure you for a liar, because they can breathe it in. Most folks don't care about epidemiological definitions
I realize that may not be scientifically correct, but remember we are dealing with people who would sign petitions to ban dihydrogen monoxide.
Perhaps it would be best for the epidemiological community to do what the Army did to sort out a problem with the definition of "airborne".
Define it as "airmobile".
The ebola virus - a droplet from from a sneeze - can live on a hard surface for up to three days. That ‘surface’ might be an elevator button, ATM machine or gas pump handle...