On this page: Background | Educational Resources | Setting-Specific Resources | Patient Resources
Background
Respiratory hygiene or cough etiquette is a way to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like the flu or the common cold. By covering coughs and sneezes and keeping our hands clean, we can prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. When you cough or sneeze, droplets containing germs are released into the air and can land in the mouths and noses of other people. Germs can also be spread if you touch your face with unwashed hands after touching contaminated surfaces or objects.
Educational Resources
VDH Infection Prevention and Control Assessments: The HAI/AR team is available to conduct a no-cost, non-regulatory, onsite visit to help a facility identify its infection prevention strengths and areas of opportunity.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group
- Virginia Infection Prevention & Control Training Alliance (VIPTA) – search the education and training resource library for resources related to respiratory hygiene or cough etiquette
Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center
- Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center (VIPTC) – courses and trainings related to infection prevention and control
Setting-Specific Resources
Respiratory hygiene resources specific to long-term care settings: