PROTECT YOURSELF
Teacher shares genius ‘cough pocket’ alternative to stop spreading germs during coronavirus
A PRESCHOOL teacher has gone viral on social media after sharing a video demonstrating the way in which she encourages her students to cough.
With the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus rising globally, people are becoming more health aware as to not catch or spread the illness - and are taking extra precaution when it comes to their health.
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According to the , its not exactly known how coronavirus is spread, but states that similar viruses are spread through cough droplets - with coughing being a symptom of the virus.
So to ensure people are taking the correct precautionary measures Laurie Geoff, from Seattle, took to Twitter to demonstrate what she believes is the best way to cough.
In the viral video, she showed off what she calls the "cough pocket" and explained that there's "a lot of confusion on how to correctly cough."
She said: "Being a preschool teacher, this is something I do every single day, so I'm gonna teach you how to correctly cough."
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The teacher first demonstrated how "not to cough" running through a series of methods commonly used by people when coughing.
She explained: "We do not cough in our hands, the reason for that is when you cough into your hands like that, now you have germs all over your hands and anything you touch will get your germs on it so now you need to go wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap."
She then brought her elbow to her mouth and demonstrated how to cough into the crook of her elbow - creating the "cough pocket".
She continued: "When you cough, you need to use your cough pocket like this. Simple, easy to use, it's on your body, it's free, it's always with you."
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The teacher insisted the "cough pocket" was the best method for sneezing, also.
And to ensure her message was clear, she explained the method once more.
She said: "So let's recap, coughing into your hands is a no. Coughing into your cough pocket, sneezing into your cough pocket is a yes."
Her video has been seen by more that 627,000 people, with over 26,000 liking it.
How to stop germs from spreading, according to health professionals
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (), covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue will greatly reduce the number of germs that are able to spread to people and objects around you.
They advise to:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Furthermore, to clean your hands they advise:
- Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Soap and water: Soap and water are the best option if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Many thanked her for sharing it, with one saying: "This is great thanks I will teach my niece, the cough pocket is going to go down a treat."
And another said: "Cough pocket - love it! That's the first time I've heard the term and it is great."
While a third person added: "I don’t know you but I like you. People think this stuff is common knowledge. It’s not. And even if it was, it’s not common practice."
Advice given by the states that you should use a tissue when sneezing or coughing, rather than using your hand.
It reads: "Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
"Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards."
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In more health related news, we told you how to cope without toilet paper as supplies dwindle.
And we told you how mums are now buying reusable loo roll.
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