How to Properly Catch a Sneeze

The human sneeze can leave the body at nearly 100 miles per hour. During a sneeze, tens of thousands of droplets are released into the air, traveling distances of up to 12 feet. An unfettered sneeze, therefore, can result in droplets landing over many surfaces that others come into contact with frequently. Thus, it is very important to sneeze in a way that minimizes the impact of a sneeze.

From the time you were young, your parents taught you of the importance of covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze. This is because sneezing is a way of clearing out your sinuses by forcefully propelling air through them (although most of the droplets released in a sneeze come from the mouth). The droplets released with a sneeze are composed of nasal mucous, saliva, and, if the sneezer is sick, bacteria or viruses.

Because droplets released upon sneezing can be infectious, it is important to keep them contained. This is best accomplished with a tissue. However, most people do not carry tissues with them, or retrieve one quickly when a sneeze quickly approaches.

Sneezing into the hand is the most common method of containing a sneeze. Using your hand does prevent the mucus, bacteria, and viruses from entering the air. However, your hand ends up covered with these substances and you can contaminate other surfaces you touch after a sneeze. If you do end up sneezing into your hand, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly. To effectively remove the germs from a sneeze off your hands, use hot water, plenty of soap and scrub them for at least 20 seconds (the length of time it takes to sing the happy birthday song twice).

The best way to catch a sneeze if no tissue is available is to sneeze into your sleeve. It will keep the infectious droplets from entering the air, and will keep your hands clean. Whether your sleeve remains clean is another issue, but at least you are keeping your germs from spreading to others.

Sneezes are caused by irritants. Whether it is a bright light, or a pathogen irritating your sinuses, a sneeze will likely result. If the irritation is ongoing, as in the case of seasonal allergies, antihistamines can usually alleviate the symptoms.

In summary, your best bet is to carry tissues with you if you have a cold, so you can catch the errant sneeze that way. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve. If you do use your hand, make sure to wash it thoroughly after you sneeze