Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette

When you cough or sneeze, tiny droplets fly out of your mouth and nose. These droplets can carry germs that make other people sick. Covering up when you cough or sneeze is an important way to stop germs from spreading.

How to Cover Up

Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands. This is sometimes called the vampire cough because it looks like a vampire hiding behind a cape. If you use a tissue, throw it away right after.

Do not cough or sneeze into the open air. Germs can travel several feet and land on people and surfaces around you.

Washing Up After

After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands as soon as you can. If you cannot wash right away, use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

If you are sick, try to stay away from others so you do not spread your germs. Staying home when you are sick is one of the kindest things you can do.

Fun Facts

• A sneeze can travel up to 100 miles per hour.
• Germs from a sneeze can fly up to 26 feet through the air.
• You cannot sneeze with your eyes open because your body closes them automatically.

Did You Know?

A single sneeze can release up to 40,000 tiny droplets into the air, which is why covering up is so important!