Top tips to avoid people coughing on people’s heads.

1. When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth. Dispose of the tissue afterwards.
2. If you cannot get to a bin to dispose of your used tissues, try carrying a small plastic bag to collect them in until they can be disposed of properly.
3. Use disposable tissues rather than cloth handkerchiefs for covering your coughs and sneezes when you have a cold or the flu. This is because a cloth handkerchief can act as a breeding ground for the germs that are causing the infection. Carrying a used handkerchief around when you are sick may spread your germs.
4. If there are no tissues available, cover your nose and mouth with your upper arm, avoid using your hands. Wash your upper arm (or sleeve) as soon as practical if you have sneezed or coughed into it.
5. Turn away from other people when coughing.
6. Move away from other people who are coughing.
7. Wear a surgical mask, if possible. Make sure the mask is correctly fitted by ensuring that it covers your nose and mouth, and that it is secured at the back of your head. Avoid touching your face while wearing the mask. Replace the mask whenever it is moist. A mask that has been removed for example, when eating, should not be reused. Remove the mask by only touching the straps and put the used mask in a bin. Wash your hands straight away.
8. After coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or after touching used tissues, wash your hands with soap and water.
9. Try to keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
10. Use alcohol-based liquids, gels or wipes if you do not have access to soap and water.

Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing