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How to Sneeze Without Spreading Germs

Member
By StacyP
User-Submitted Article
(15 Ratings)

Sneezing commonly occurs as a reflex. Something tickles our nose and—wham!—a sneeze happens. How to sneeze is not usually thought of as a big deal. We sneeze and it’s done. We move on. But what about germs? An uncovered sneeze by someone who is sick with a respiratory illness is spreading germs. A sick person can even spread germs when sneezing in their hand if they touch things that other people will touch. There is a way to sneeze without the high risk of spreading germs. School-aged children will benefit greatly from learning this sneezing technique. Read on for simple steps on how to sneeze without spreading germs.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • your arm
  1. Step 1

    The first step in how to sneeze without spreading germs is to be ready for the sneeze. When you feel a sneeze coming on, turn your head away from people around you. Use caution, though; if turning your head is not safe (as with driving), then don't do it.

  2. Step 2

    The next step in how to sneeze without spreading germs is to block your sneeze with the crook of your arm. Doing this will protect others around you from the germs in your sneeze.

  3. Step 3

    The last step is to let the sneeze out. The germs from your sneeze will be on your shirt or jacket sleeve instead of on another person or on your hands. The germs are less likely to be spread to others now. This is how to sneeze without spreading germs.

Tips & Warnings
  • Do this only if you safely can. If you’re driving, do not let the sneeze divert your eyes from the road.

Comments  

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pianistic said

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on 11/17/2008 Great!

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on 11/17/2008 This is such important inportant information. more need to follow this in the cold/flu season months. *****

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on 11/17/2008 Really important tip especially with colds and flu on their way. Thanks!

Gracie1402 said

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on 11/17/2008 this is a good idea- I especially like the sneezing into your arm instead of your hand!

bar10dr98 said

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on 11/17/2008 Great info on stopping the spread of germs, thanks!

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