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Etiquette When Coughing

Coughing is a reflex that naturally clears irritants from the lungs. Coughing occurs when nerve endings in the lungs are stimulated by the inhalation of debris, smoke, environmental or chemical irritants. Coughing is also associated with acute respiratory infections and can occur chronically with medical conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

  1. Children

    • Children should be taught proper coughing etiquette to reduce the spread of germs in schools. Instruct students to cough into a tissue or paper towel, then immediately place the tissue or paper towel in the garbage. Students should then wash their hands with soap and running water. If these facilities are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used.

    General Public

    • People in the general public should cough into a tissue and immediately dispose of it. Do not place the tissue in your pocket for later use. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after disposing of the tissue. If a tissue is not available, cough into the elbow or upper-arm area of your sleeve. Do not cover your mouth with your hand.

    Healthcare Professionals

    • Healthcare professionals are in contact with patients with weak immune systems. These patients are more susceptible to diseases that are spread through sputum released with coughing. Healthcare workers can prevent the spread of germs by staying out of the workplace when they are sick. Occasional coughing is normal in healthy people, and healthcare workers should follow standard etiquette when it occurs. Additionally, a face mask can be worn to prevent sputum from entering the air, and gloves should be worn during patient contact. Hands should always be washed between patient encounters whether the provider is coughing or not.

    Other Etiquette

    • Proper etiquette for coughing should be followed in public settings like church, theater, concerts and other public venues. In addition to hygiene issues, continuous coughing is disruptive, particularly when people are listening to a live speaker. Leave the room if continuous coughing occurs.

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