Respiratory hygiene
Good respiratory hygiene reduces droplets released when a person coughs, sneezes or talks.
Why it matters
Colds, influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections spread mainly through droplets and smaller airborne particles released when people cough, sneeze, talk and breathe. Simple habits reduce how much of that reaches other people and surfaces.
Cover, dispose, clean
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or into your inner elbow if you don't have one — never into your hands. Put the tissue straight into a bin and clean your hands.
Encourage the people you support to do the same, and make tissues, bins and hand rub easy to reach.
Masks, distance and fresh air
Follow your workplace guidance on when to wear a mask — for example, when caring for someone with respiratory symptoms or during an outbreak. A mask must cover your nose and mouth and be replaced when damp or soiled.
Where practical, keep a little more distance from people who are coughing and improve airflow by opening windows or using ventilation systems as intended.
If you are unwell
Don't come to work with symptoms of a respiratory infection or gastro. Tell your supervisor and follow your workplace's policy on testing and when to return. Working while sick is one of the most common ways outbreaks start.
Key points
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
Dispose of tissues promptly and clean your hands.
Encourage unwell people to keep distance and follow workplace guidance.
Cover
Dispose
Clean hands
In childcare
Childcare
Teach children to cough into their elbow and wash their hands, and follow your service's exclusion periods for unwell children.
Common mistakes
- Coughing into your hands and then touching surfaces.
- Coming to work with 'just a cold'.
- Wearing a mask below the nose.
On the job
Follow your workplace procedures, product instructions and supervisor guidance. If you are unsure, stop and ask before continuing the task.
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Childcare & Early Learning
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