An Ounce of Prevention: "Respiratory Etiquette"

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December 4, 2007	A Publication of QVHD

Respiratory Etiquette

By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD

It's that time again! You'll be chugging along just fine, and BINGO! Your body aches, your nose runs, you cough and you just feel crummy! Most everyone has at least one of these bouts over the cold weather months. I just cringe if I am in a crowded place and someone is overcome by a sneeze. I can almost feel those germs invading my nose. I try not to breathe until I can get to some fresh air.

If we all used some "respiratory etiquette", we could decrease the spread of germs. Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze. (If a tissue is unavailable, at least try to cough into your sleeve.) Dispose of used tissues in a trash can.

Wash your hands frequently and properly. This is one of the most important actions you can take to prevent viral illnesses in yourself and others. If you are sick, stay home until symptoms have subsided. The rest of the office doesn't want your germs. And please, sick children do not belong in school. Keep your children home when they are acutely sick. While your child may easily overcome a viral illness, it can cause a much more serious illness in a child with asthma or chronic ear trouble.

If you have a viral illness that doesn't show signs of improvement within a few days, it is a good idea to check with your health care provider. This is especially true if the illness is accompanied by a high fever, unusual symptoms, difficulty breathing, moderate pain or other severe symptoms. While most people recover without complication from the garden-variety viral illness, others may develop complications such as sinusitis or pneumonia.

Even if we all used "respiratory etiquette" there would still be viral illnesses circulating. Short of a magic bullet, there is little we can do to eliminate them from the world. And we know, as learned from SARS, that germs can travel across the world. However, while we can't eliminate germs, we can help keep our bodies healthier. Actions that can help to accomplish this include a nutritious diet, adequate rest and avoidance of substances such as tobacco, alcohol and other illicit drugs.

Remember, to always use "respiratory etiquette." District residents can receive a free "winter illness care package" which contains information about colds, flu, sinusitis and pneumonia

For more information, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org

An Ounce of Prevention is a publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at 1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone: 248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor & Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district office.


Quinnipiack Valley Health District 1151 Hartford Turnpike North Haven, CT 06473	Phone. (203)248-4528 Fax. (203)248-6671 E-Mail. info@qvhd.org

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