Covering coughs and sneezes and keeping hands clean can help prevent the spread of serious respiratory illnesses like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and COVID-19. Germs can be easily spread by:

• Coughing, sneezing, or talking

• Touching your face with unwashed hands after touching contaminated surfaces or objects

• Touching surfaces or objects that may be frequently touched by other people

To help stop the spread of germs:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze

• Throw used tissues in the trash

• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands

Remember to immediately wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting sick, especially at key times when you are likely to get and spread germs.

Covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands are especially important for infection control measures in healthcare settings, such as emergency departments, doctor’s offices, and clinics.