Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date:                         October 19, 2006   

End Date:                                October 26, 2006

Contact Person:                      Susan Hudson

                                                Communicable Disease Supervisor

            Genesee County Health Department

Phone:                                     (810) 257-3336

RE:                                         Proper Cough and Sneeze Techniques

                                               Displayed on the GCHD Website

      The Genesee County Health Department has added a link on its website to a video that demonstrates the proper way to cough and sneeze.  The five minute video was designed to encourage people to cough and sneeze according to the infection control guidelines put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Its message is serious, but it is presented with humor in a way that engages the viewer effectively for the full five minutes.

     Coughing and sneezing properly is the key to preventing the spread of many communicable diseases such as colds and the flu virus.  Most people put their hands in front of their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze to stop germs from getting into the air.  Most people teach their children to do this, too.  Unfortunately, this technique puts the germs on their hands.  The germs are then spread to telephones, doorknobs, and many other surfaces from which they are then picked up by the next user, potentially making him or her sick.

     The video teaches the viewer to cough and sneeze into one’s shirt sleeve and offers other alternatives that do not result in germs getting on the hands.  The Health Department encourages everyone to view the video with their families.  To view the video, log on to the Genesee County Health Department’s website at www.gchd.us.  Click on the link to the right entitled:  “Sneeze and Cough Safe Video."