Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough helps prevent the spread of germs to others. When you sneeze or cough, droplets containing viruses or bacteria can be released into the air and can land on surfaces or directly on other people. By covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow, you can trap these droplets and reduce the risk of spreading germs to those around you. This is especially important during times of infectious disease outbreaks, such as the flu or COVID-19, to help protect yourself and others from getting sick.
