Avoiding colds and sneezes

January 19, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My 80-year-old mother refuses to cover her mouth when coughing or sneezing. I just got sick in 24 hours of her coughing/sneezing fits and her flu. I live with her, so can’t get away from it.

My immune system is not good and I really work at hand washing and avoiding germs. Any suggestions?

DEAR READER: A cold is the most universal illness in humans and is the most common reason for work and school absenteeism. Viruses that cause colds are spread from person to person through droplets of mucus that enter the air from nasal passages. [Read more...]

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Sneezing and coughing spreads germs

January 21, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Now that the flu season is here, could you please print a word about my pet peeve — clerks and cashiers who cough in your face when handling groceries or those that spit on their fingertips to ease opening plastic bags? Even young school children have learned to cough into their elbows.

DEAR READER: And the word is GROSS! Everyone is aware how easily germs are spread through telephone receivers, doorknobs, shopping-cart handles, TV remotes and droplet spray from a cough or sneeze. The interesting thing is that the very people who do the dastardly deed are those who complain when someone does it to them.
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column Tagged With: , , ,