Yes this statement is true
The answer is most likely than, it is because the poor does not acquire large sum of money where in they could use to ensure safety in terms of their health. Such as having enough money to have regular check ups, vaccines or medicine. They would likely spend the money that they acquire to food and shelter because it is more essential to them. That is why they are prone to have or acquire diseases than the affluent.
The one that could be contracted from airborne germs is : Chicken pox
Which why it spread easily. By being in the same room with an infected, you're very likely to be exposed with the viruses even though you never made a contact with the infected
hope this helps
I assume Blood borne illnesss as frequent tobacco use causes cancers