Respiratory etiquette is a set of infection control practices designed to prevent the spread of respiratory pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. These simple, everyday actions are a foundational component of public health strategy, especially in shared community spaces. Adhering to these practices helps individuals contain respiratory secretions that carry infectious agents. This minimizes the risk of transmitting respiratory illnesses like influenza and the common cold.
Core Techniques for Covering Coughs and Sneezes
The primary action in respiratory etiquette involves immediately covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to contain the expelled droplets. The most effective method is to use a disposable tissue, which acts as a barrier to catch respiratory particles. Once used, the tissue must be discarded immediately, preventing contaminants from transferring to hands or surfaces.
If a tissue is not available, the recommended technique is to cough or sneeze into the upper sleeve or the inside of the elbow. This is preferable to using the hand, as hands frequently touch surfaces and people, making them a direct route for germ transmission.
Critical Follow-Up Actions
After covering a cough or sneeze, the next step is managing contaminated materials and immediate hand hygiene. Any used tissue must be disposed of promptly into the nearest waste receptacle. This removes the contaminated item from the environment, reducing the chance of contact transmission.
Hand cleaning must be performed immediately after the cough or sneeze, even if the sleeve was used. Washing hands with soap and running water is the most effective method, requiring a scrub time of at least 20 seconds to remove germs. Scrubbing must include lathering the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the fingernails before rinsing thoroughly.
When soap and water are not accessible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Apply the sanitizer to the palm and rub it over all surfaces of the hands and fingers until they are completely dry, a process that takes approximately 20 seconds. It is also important to avoid touching one’s eyes, nose, and mouth until the hands have been properly cleaned.
Why Respiratory Etiquette Matters
Respiratory etiquette directly addresses the mechanism by which most respiratory illnesses spread: droplet transmission. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, they expel respiratory droplets. These droplets typically travel only a short distance before settling onto surfaces or the mucous membranes of another person.
Covering the mouth and nose physically contains these infectious droplets, preventing them from contaminating the air and nearby surfaces. If secretions are not contained, viruses can survive on objects for hours to days, creating contaminated surfaces (fomites) that transmit infection upon touch. This behavior is important in high-density environments like healthcare settings, schools, and public transportation.
Adhering to these practices protects oneself and vulnerable community members, such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. Simple actions like using a tissue or one’s elbow reduce the community-wide transmission rate of pathogens. Respiratory etiquette is a fundamental intervention that helps maintain public health by breaking the chain of infection.