Covering Coughs

When I feel a tickle in my throat, I know a cough is coming. A cough is my body’s way of clearing things out, but it also sends out tiny, invisible droplets. These droplets are like little spaceships for germs, and they can travel through the air and make other people sick. That's why covering my cough is so important—it stops the germs from spreading to my friends and family.

The best way to stop germs is to do the 'vampire cough.' I lift my arm and bend it, then I cough right into my elbow, like a vampire hiding in a cape. This keeps the germs on my shirt, not on my hands. If I have a tissue, I use that instead. I hold it over my mouth and nose, cough into it, and then throw it right into the trash can. If I ever forget and cough into my hands, I know what to do: I go straight to the sink to wash them with soap and warm water.

Covering my cough makes me a health hero. When I stop germs from spreading, I help keep my classroom and my home healthy and happy. It means my friends don't have to miss school and my family doesn't get sick. It’s a small thing to do, but it shows everyone that I care about them and want to keep them safe. It's one of the most powerful and kind things we can all do every day.