Cover Your Cough: Frequently Asked Questions

Stop the spread of germs that make you and others sick: Cover Your Cough

Why should I cover my cough?

Serious respiratory illnesses like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are spread by:

• Coughing or sneezing
• Unclean hands

These illnesses spread easily in crowded places where people are in close contact.

How do I stop the spread of germs if I am sick?

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze.
• Throw the used tissue in a waste basket.
• If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
• After coughing or sneezing, always clean your hands with soap & water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items.

How can I stay healthy?

• Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.
• Get vaccinated! Influenza (flu) and pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines can prevent some serious respiratory illnesses.

When you are at the clinic or hospital:

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of the used tissue in the waste basket.
• Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• You may also be asked to wear a mask to protect others.

MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.