– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
– Dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands.
– Wash hands after contact with respiratory secretions.
What is respiratory and cough hygiene?
It’s a set of practices aimed at reducing the spread of respiratory pathogens, including covering coughs/sneezes, using tissues and performing hand hygiene afterward.
Why is it important in healthcare settings?
Respiratory illnesses can spread quickly in care environments. Good hygiene helps protect vulnerable patients and reduces the risk of outbreaks.
What should I do if I need to cough or sneeze?
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow; try not to use your hands. Dispose of the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Should patients and visitors follow these practices too?
Yes. Everyone in the clinical/care setting should be encouraged to follow respiratory hygiene. Provide tissues, hand rub and signage to support this.
What if a patient has a suspected respiratory illness?
Use appropriate PPE, isolate if necessary and follow your local IPC/isolation protocols.
Are masks part of respiratory hygiene?
Yes. Surgical masks may be recommended for patients with symptoms or for staff during outbreaks. Follow your IPC guidance.
How can I promote good respiratory hygiene in my area?
Display posters, provide tissues and hand rub at entrances and remind patients, visitors and colleagues regularly.
What should I do if I see poor respiratory hygiene practice?
Address it respectfully or escalate to your IPC lead/link practitioner. Creating a culture of safety starts with speaking up.