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Colds Cold Basics

You should not cover your cough with your hands


Intercepting a cough or a sneeze using your hands might stop virus-laden droplets from flying through the air, but it may increase the chance you will give a cold or the flu to someone else if you touch their hands. When the recipient of a handshake with an infected person touches his or her face, eyes or mouth, that person can easily acquire the virus. Infection control experts say that if you don't have a tissue on hand to sneeze into and then throw away, you should use the crook of your arm. This way when you shake someone's hand you won't transfer germs. If you do cough or sneeze into your hands, wash them immediately or apply a hand sanitizer.


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