Which infection control practice includes covering coughs and sneezes?

Covering coughs and sneezes is an essential component of respiratory hygiene, also known as cough etiquette. This practice is aimed at preventing the spread of respiratory infections to others, particularly in communal settings like healthcare facilities. When an individual covers their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow while coughing or sneezing, it helps to contain respiratory droplets that may carry pathogens, reducing the potential for transmission to others.

This practice is critical in controlling infections, especially those that are airborne or spread through respiratory droplets, such as the flu or COVID-19. Teaching and encouraging individuals to follow proper respiratory hygiene can significantly decrease infection rates within communities and healthcare environments.

In contrast, hand hygiene focuses primarily on cleaning hands to prevent the transfer of pathogens, personal protective equipment is meant to shield individuals from exposure to infectious agents, and surface disinfection targets the cleaning of surfaces to eliminate pathogens. Each of these plays a vital role in infection control, but they do not specifically address the direct actions taken during a coughing or sneezing event.