How to Sneeze Properly

Many germs are spread through the air when a classmate or co-worker sneezes, and sneezing on someone is perhaps one of the easiest ways to give them your cold. Minimizing the spread of germs when you sneeze will go a long way in preventing the spread of germs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Facial Tissues

1. Be prepared. If you have a cold, make sure you have lots of tissues.

2. Turn away from other people when you feel a sneeze coming on.

3. Use sturdy, fresh tissues to avoid getting the mucus on your hands.

4. If there are no tissues available, sneeze into your arm or elbow rather than your bare hands. This will help prevent the spread of germs.

5. When you start to sneeze, don't hold it back. Let the air explode out into a tissue. Trying to suppress a powerful sneeze can cause your inner ears to pop or can spray bacteria into your sinuses and ears.

6. Wash your hands after wiping or blowing your nose.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, avoid crowds and close contact with other people when you have a cold.

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[retrograde]

on 10/27/2009 Thank You for suggesting "sneeze into your arm or elbow", instead of just elbow, like everybody else. All the "Subject Matter Authorities" only suggest the elbow, disregarding the possibility that some of us are physically incapable of doing that. I'm not bad off as Senator John S. McCain, but I can't get the crook of my arm closer than around four inches away from my face.

[awesomeallie]

on 9/12/2009 How do you know if you have a cold or allergies?

[abriedewet]

on 10/1/2008 Actually, the responsible thing to do when you have a cold or flu, is to stay home.