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Viruses most often spread by airborne droplets. This applies not only to the COVID-19 coronavirus, but also to the flu. It is enough for someone to sneeze or cough for the viruses to enter our body. That is why we present rules on how to sneeze and cough so as not to spread microorganisms.
The rapid spread of the coronavirus around the world created chaos, but at the same time people began to pay more attention to hygiene. They wash their hands for a long time, wear masks or disinfect their hands with an antibacterial gel.
- See also: Washing hands can protect against viruses. How to do it effectively
These rules, however, should be our daily practice, because not only the COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted by airborne droplets. Likewise, we can catch a cold or the flu virus, which for some is as dangerous as COVID-19.
Should you hold back from sneezing?
Sneezing is a natural instinct that shouldn’t be stopped. When you sneeze, your nose clears microbes. During illness (colds or flu), however, you need to cover your nose so that bacteria and viruses do not spread by droplets to people or objects. The mucus from the nose is excreted at a standard speed of 45-50 km / h, which can be as high as 160 km / h. This is another argument for not sneezing in your hand, but to use a disposable handkerchief, which you will immediately throw into the trash can with a lid.
- See also: Sneezing – where does it come from and what does this reflex mean?
If we do not have a handkerchief at hand, we can use our own elbow bend so as not to transfer microorganisms to the hands with which we often touch the face – this is the best way for viruses to get into the nose, mouth and eyes. Sneezing in the elbow (the so-called sneezing at a vampire) allows us to protect against it.
Cough – protection against microbes
As in the case of sneezing, we must not forget to cover our mouth when coughing. The more that microbes can spread by droplets even up to 1 m, and even further, which means that being in the company, we can infect everyone around. However, it is enough to cough on the elbow to avoid the transmission of germs.
This you need to know:
- The first case of coronavirus in Poland. Sanepid issued recommendations
- What are the symptoms of the disease caused by the coronavirus?
- Coverage of the COVID-19 coronavirus [CURRENT MAP]
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