Covering your cough is important because it helps stop the spread of germs that can make others sick.
But, if you must cough, be sure to practice good etiquette.
Wear a mask while coughing to help prevent germs from traveling far in the air.
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Covering Your Cough Makes a Difference
A single cough releases around 3,000 droplets into the air.
Some tiny droplets can even move through ventilation systems, spreading germs farther than expected.
Evidence shows that covering your cough or wearing a mask significantly reduces germ spread.
The most effective masks are surgical masks andKN95 masks.
Is It Better to Hold in a Cough or Cough It Out?
It is better to cough it out than to hold a cough in.
Coughing is a spontaneous and helpful reflex that expels irritants and mucus from your lungs to prevent infections.
It’s not difficult to cover your cough.
But, as simple as it is, there is a right and wrong way to do it.
When you do this, the droplets can push through your fingers and spread onto everything you touch.
The CDC recommends coughing into a tissue and throwing the tissue in the garbage.
This is obviously simple, but it may take time to make a habit.
It’s worth it, as this practice dramatically drops the odds of you spreading those germs.
Avoid coughing or sneezing into a hanky, t-shirt sleeve, or something else that isn’t disposable.
Is It Rude to Cough Without Covering Your Mouth?
Most people should understand when you oughta cough.
It’s basic etiquette to cover your cough, especially in public or crowded spaces.
Does Wearing a Mask Help?
Yes, wearing a mask helps.
have a go at avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands.
If the mask gets damp, replace it.
Do not reuse disposable masks.
When removing the mask, take it off from the back without touching the front.
Used masks should be discarded immediately in a closed bin.
After taking off the mask, disinfect your hands once again.
Summary
Coughing releases thousands of tiny droplets into the air.
A single cough can spread germs to others up to eight feet away.
Any person who touches that surface will then be at risk of illness.
Covering your cough with a tissue or mask can significantly reduce the spread of germs.
2020 Sep;202(5):651659. doi:10.1164/rccm.202004-1263PP
American Lung Association.Learn about cough.
World Health Organization.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: when and how to use masks.
