People Who Don't Cover Their Mouth When They Sneeze

You're just going to have to come right out with it, I agree with Abbie. And since you have to play mommy to her anyway, ask her to sneeze into her arm, instead of using her hands to cover her mouth. Yuck.

I'd say (in private) "Assistant, I am a bit of a germaphobe. Would you please humor me and cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough? Thanks so much!"

Have your boss send out a flier about remembering to cover our coughs and sneezes as a courtesy to others in the office. They can add something about the weather and how we all want to stay healthy so just a reminder.

That way you dont feel awkward asking but also that everyone else gets the memo.

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Can you tell her your child just learned a cool way to sneeze? Tell her to cough into her elbow and sneeze there. That it is the safest way to ensure that others don't get sick or get her germs. GL

M

I believe the correct way to sneeze without spreading germs is to sneeze into your elbow which is what I do. Ewwwww is right. Don't know how you would ask her without offending her. Maybe buy her a pretty box of tissues and say - I notice you sneeze a lot - maybe you're allergic to work? I thought you might appreciate a box of tissues so you can cover your nose - it's cold and flu season.

My mother does this too and it drives me batty. I've told her and told her and I don't care about being polite. She insists that she can't feel it coming on.

I don't get it. I actually pinch my nose so tight, nothing comes out. I don't care if it's healthy or not. I run to wash my hands immediately and it's never bothered me. Sometimes my ears pop LOL

If I have a cold I always cover. When I have allergies I have sneezing fits. Don't always cover but the good news is allergies aren't contagious. :)

She's your assistant. Next time she does it, make a 'gross' face/ eyeroll and use the sarcastically funny voice and say, "EEEWWW! Thanks for that. I needed your snot germs today. I love you, but next time, cover your mouth with your elbow so you don't spread germs please!"

I mean really, this isn't like body odor or halitosis (where the condition is not that person's fault). I don't think telling someone to cover their mouth when they sneeze should be offensive to anyone. She may be embarrassed at first (not offended) but you and everyone else will be happier in the long run.

Abbie's answer is perfect. I'd say the same thing to your Mom.

That's just gross. Cold OR allergy--I don't want to be sprayed with someone elses saliva/snot!

Go to this site: http://www.sedgwickcounty.org/healthdept/panflu.asp

Scroll down to the Fliers and download the Coworker Cover your Sneeze flier. Put a few up around the office.