Cough hygiene

Coughing is usually a sign that something may be wrong with your airways or your lungs. When you cough, you force out bacteria and viruses in tiny droplets of water that can be inhaled by anyone close to you (or in the same room). The bacteria and viruses that you spread this way can cause severe illnesses in others.

Covering your cough with a bent elbow can protect other people from coming in contact with the germs you force out. It’s best when you feel ill to use a face covering, like a cloth mask or a medical mask. If you have an infection that can pass quickly from person to person, like covid19 or tuberculosis, you should wear a face-covering when in an enclosed space.

Cough hygiene is a set of simple tasks meant to be done every time you cough, in private or public. If done correctly and consistently, it will help protect you and your loved ones from coming into contact with germs that may lead to ill-health.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Cough in your elbow to avoid getting germs on your hand.
• You can use tissue papers and throw them away immediately after.
• Wash your hands with soap under running water. For convenience, you can use a hand sanitiser every time you touch your mouth or nose.
• Use tissue paper and get dustbin with a foot peddle.  This prevents your hands from getting dirty or carrying more germs.
• Wear a face mask if you have a cough and avoid shaking other people's hands.
• Regularly clean the surfaces that you touch frequently, such as tabletops and doorknobs with one cup of bleach mixed in sixteen cups of water.

• If you have a cough that will not go away after two weeks or other symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing, then visit your healthcare provider immediately for testing. This will enable you to get proper treatment and protect your loved ones.
• If you have a condition that make you cough a lot, such as asthma or other allergic reactions, avoid your triggers. You can use preventer or reliever medicines. Use your medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• If you talk while chewing, you can choke on your food and start coughing. It is better to eat first and save your conversations for later.
• Some vaccines, such as the pneumonia vaccine, can protect children from a serious lung infection. The COVID-19 vaccine also reduces your chances of having a coronavirus infection. Vaccines are safe and effective. They help to protect you and your loved ones from diseases.

At home or work, you can help your family and friends keep safe by:

• Asking everyone to:
  • • Cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
    • Use tissues and throw them away.
    • Wash their hands with soap under running water.
    • Use a hand sanitiser every time they touch their mouth or nose.
• Providing tissue paper and soap for handwashing. Ensure there is a safe disposal box in all (bath) rooms.
• Offer cloth or medical masks to family or co-workers that are coughing.
• Encourage friends and family to get care for a cough that doesn't go away.

Adopting cough hygiene may feel like a drag at first. However, making some adjustments to your daily routine can help. You may consider buying a pocket-sized packet of tissue paper and a hand sanitiser that you can carry along. You may also buy matching face masks with your outfits to complement your style and protect yourself at the same time. To make handwashing fun for the kids, you may encourage them to sing the ABC song while washing their hands. This way, you can gradually adopt proper cough hygiene until it becomes a part of your routine.