Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette

Covering sneezes and coughs is crucial to prevent the spread of droplets that can carry infections to others. Here are some key practices:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing, sneezing, wiping, or blowing your nose, and dispose of the tissue immediately after use.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hand.
• Perform hand hygiene right away.

Helping Residents and Clients:

• Encourage them to use tissues when they sneeze or cough.
• Place a plastic bag nearby for immediate disposal of used tissues.
• Promote regular hand hygiene.
• Ensure alcohol-based hand rub is within easy reach.

Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette are especially important for individuals with infections spread by droplets.