If you can’t completely separate you and your child during a minor cold, learning cough and sneeze etiquette at least helps.
How to cough and sneeze to avoid spreading germs?
Teaching your child to cough and sneeze into their shoulder or elbow instead of directly into hands (which then touch other things, and further spread the germs) is just one way to go.
Similarly, blowing one’s nose has some etiquette involved, too. Even with a handkerchief or tissues, some germs are blown into the air. And being as loud and honking as possible is definitely not the point! In addition, washing hands and/or use of antibacterial hand gel immediately after blowing one’s nose is critical to help stop the spread of germs.
What is the correct way to sneeze or cough in public?
- Turn away from people when coughing or sneezing to avoid contaminating others.
- Cover your mouth or nose with your left hand to keep your right hand germ free.
- If you are in a crowd of people and cannot turn to avoid coughing or sneezing directly at someone, cough or sneeze downward, directly in front of you.
- Always carry a tissue or handkerchief to cover your mouth or nose.
- If you are having a coughing or sneezing episode, excuse yourself from the room until it subsides.