The safest ways to sneeze

ot covering your nose and mouth during a sneeze will result in germs being sprayed at least three metres. Paul Bradbury

Winter is the season for colds and flu, and one of the quickest ways that these viruses spread is through sneezing.

The Texas A&M University Health Science Center evaluated the effectiveness of different methods of covering a sneeze to find out the best way to slow the spread of germs. Not covering your nose and mouth during a sneeze will result in germs being sprayed at least three metres, where they can “live for weeks until someone comes in contact with them”, the centre reported.

Using your hands, the centre found, is a good way to keep germs from spraying everywhere, but is counterproductive if you don’t wash your hands afterwards. “Sneezing into your hands is a good way to spread germs to your computer, phone, doorknobs or someone else if you shake their hand.” If this is your method, be sure to wash straight away with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds, or use a hand sanitiser if you can’t wash.

The best way to stop the spread of germs is to sneeze into a tissue, making sure to cover your nose and mouth, then throw the tissue away. It’s also important to wash your hands afterwards.