Myth Busted: Why You Shouldn't Use Your Hand to Sneeze or Cough - You Won't Believe It!

An article published on the 'Clalit' website by Dr. Shmuel Givon breaks one of the most common myths about sneezing and coughing. Since childhood, we've been taught to cover our mouths with our hands when sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of germs. However, Dr. Givon suggests that this behavior actually puts us at risk. 

According to Dr. Givon, when we cough or sneeze and then use our hands to cover our mouths, the viruses stick to our exposed hands, spreading further. If we don't wash our hands thoroughly right after, the viruses can easily be transferred. The alternative solution he proposes is to use a tissue every time we feel the need to cough or sneeze, disposing of it immediately after. 

If no tissue is available, we should turn our heads away to an open and distant area, away from people, and cough there. 

Bacteria spread through direct contact (for instance, when a sick person sneezes while covering their mouth with a hand and then touches a phone, keyboard, etc.), and they can survive on objects touched by the infected person for days or even weeks. Therefore, if we are accustomed to sneezing into our hands, it is important to wash them thoroughly with soap and water before touching any objects or our faces, especially those of our children.