What do respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette aim to minimize?

Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette are crucial practices designed to minimize the spread of respiratory pathogens. These guidelines recommend behaviors such as covering one's mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, disposing of tissues properly, and practicing hand hygiene. By following these measures, individuals can significantly reduce the transmission of viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory infections, such as influenza or COVID-19.

Focusing on minimizing the spread of these pathogens is essential in healthcare settings, schools, and public spaces, where close contact among individuals is common. This protective approach is particularly important during respiratory illness outbreaks to safeguard the health of individuals and communities. Proper respiratory hygiene not only helps in controlling the immediate spread of infections but also plays a significant role in public health efforts to prevent wider epidemics.