There are plenty of times when you might wonder: How far does a cough or a sneeze travel?
During a global pandemic involving a respiratory illness is certainly one of them.
And it makes sense to worry about other people coughing and sneezing in your general vicinity these days.
Engraving vector of a Woman feeling sick and sneezing
But is six feet actually sufficient?
Which brings us back to the original question: How fardoesa cough or a sneeze travel?
Infectious diseases have a few modes of transmission.
This refers to the droplets sick people expel when they cough, sneeze, or talk.
If someone else inhales those secretions, they can get sick too.
Same goes for COVID-19.
Then there are infections that fall into theairborne-transmission category, like measles, tuberculosis, andchickenpox.
Some illnesses can infect people via both forms of transmission.
Some of this might even depend on how forcefully a person coughs or sneezes.
(Scream sneezers, were looking at you.
But we also know its not your fault.)
Thats more than eight feet.
A lot of this depends on the pathogen in question.
Thats especially scary considering therecent measles resurgencehappening in some parts of the United States.
That said, more research is needed.
This is true even if you hold your breath.
You get the picture.
(see to it youre up to date on yourflu vaccineevery single year.
Is it 100% effective?
Does it still slash the death toll and number of hospital visits linked with the flu each year?
If you have good hygiene habits, thats another point in your corner.
Good hygiene is essential.Wash your hands, people!
Your sanitizer should beat least 60% alcoholin order to be aseffective as possible.
Thats always true, but especially important right now.
This can definitely be helpful in sparing others from your illness, Dr. Greninger says.
In addition to following proper sneeze and cough etiquette, you shouldwash your handsthoroughly and frequently when youre sick.
(Especially if you slip up and cough or sneeze into your hands.)
Find outwhat else you should do if you think you have COVID-19 here.
In situations involving compromised immunity, face-blocking devices may help.
So if you dont absolutely need an N95 respirator mask, absolutely go for something else.
If youre curious about these illness-preventing measures, talk to your doctor for advice and guidance on proper usage.
