Respiratory Etiquette Combats The Flu

Public health officials are promoting a simple concept, “Respiratory Etiquette,” to reduce the person-to-person spread of respiratory infections such as influenza or SARS.

“Respiratory etiquette describes the kind of polite social behavior your mother encouraged: covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, using tissues, and washing your hands to prevent the spread of illness,” states Public Health Officer Gary Oxman MD, MPH.

The following are simple ways to avoid sharing germs with those around you and avoid the flu and other respiratory illnesses:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner
• Stay at home when you are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible
• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels, or other personal items
• If you are coughing and sneezing and go to a medical clinic, you may be asked to wear a mask

A poster with these messages for use in patient care waiting areas was developed by the Minnesota Department of Public Health and was adapted for use in Oregon.

“It’s very important for people to get simple and consistent messages on how to prevent communicable diseases,” said Nancy Church, RN, an Infection Control Practitioner in the Providence Health System. “We’re pleased that hospitals and public health are working together to protect the health of our patients and our communities.”

The Multnomah County Health Department is working in collaboration with Oregon Health Services, Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, and a consortium of public and private health care providers to address the issues of communicable disease outbreak in the region.

Information Provided By
Oregon Health Services
(503) 731-4180

More Information

CDC Answers Your Flu Questions
Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones
Cover Your Mouth Poster
Cover Your Mouth Poster - Spanish
FDA - Prevention & Therapy
WebMD - Flu Survivor's Guide