Many respiratory illnesses – including serious ones such as influenza and SARS – are spread by coughing and sneezing. Some respiratory illnesses can also spread by direct contact – for example after someone’s hands become contaminated by droplets from coughing and sneezing. These illnesses spread most easily in crowded places or households where people are in close contact.
Practice Respiratory Etiquette to avoid sharing germs with those around you:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then discard the tissue.
- If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Use a waterless antiseptic hand cleanser or soap and water.
- When possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are giving care to someone who is coughing or sneezing or has a respiratory illness, use personal protective equipment to avoid contamination of your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items.
- If you are sick and go to a medical clinic, you may be asked to wear a mask.
