Why Covering Coughs And Sneezes Are Important

Germs are spread from other people or surfaces when you:

  • Cough, sneeze, or blow your nose and then touch other people’s hands, or touch common surfaces such as door handles, staircase railings, phones, and so forth.
  • Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Touch contaminated objects or surfaces.

When To Cover Coughs Or Sneezes (Cough Etiquette)

  • Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  • It is especially important in any public area, such as schools, daycare facilities, shops, and healthcare settings.

How To Cover Coughs Or Sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow. Do not use your hands.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Put your used tissue in the trash bin
Put your used tissue in the trash bin
If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
Wash your hands with soap and running water.
Wash your hands with soap and running water.
Immediately after Coughing or Sneezing

Immediately After Coughing Or Sneezing

Germs are spread from other people or surfaces when you:

  • Put the used tissue in a wastebasket. Don’t leave used tissues lying around or on surfaces.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Help Stop The Spread

    • Always carry disposable tissues, hand sanitizer, or disinfectant wipes with you when at work, attending class, or vising public areas.
    • Protect other people in KAUST by staying home from work or school when you are ill.