Gazundheitcover Your Mouth!
Dear Mouthy Housewives,
Why do my co-workers not cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze? I bought 10 boxes of Kleenex for the office and spread them around in every location. They still cough or sneeze without covering their mouth. HELP.
Signed, Germ-a-Phobic
___________________________________
Dear Germ-a-Phobic,
There’s a long answer and a short answer to your question about why they do it. They have bad manners. (And the long answer is that they have very bad manners.)
Our goal is to get them to start covering up. But before we embark on that worthy goal, we have to review Sneezing and Coughing 101. Fortunately, I attended a presentation last year and learned that the new and fashionable way to sneeze is not into your hand, but into your elbow. I know what you’re thinking, but you actually don’t have to be a contortionist to accomplish this task. Just bend your elbow and sneeze away. Not using your hands has the extra benefit of not spreading germs through your hands, even if you are tissue-free.
Why not share this fun tidbit with your office mates? Surely they’ll be fascinated and who doesn’t want to appear modern by testing out the fancy new elbow sneezing an coughing technique? Why, the water cooler will be absolutely buzzing with excitement.
If they still insist on free-range sneezing and coughing, ask them to please cover their mouths. Explain that you’re one of those weirdos who is concerned about not getting sick and missing work, forcing your co-workers to pick up the slack. If you can say it in an Elmo-voice, all the better!
Here’s to your health,
Marinka
7 Responses to “Gazundheitcover Your Mouth!”
Comment by Erin I'm Gonna Kill Him.
Start stealing their lunches from the refrigerator, leaving behind a note that says, “This will continue to happen until you stop sneezing on my keypad.”
I bet Steve Carrell has the solution.
[Reply]
Comment by Jennifer.
One of my proudest accomplishments as a mother is that I taught my kids to sneeze into their elbows instead of hands. I’d say they’re practically ready to go off to college now.
[Reply]
Comment by annie.
The elbow maneuver was the 1st thing that came to mind when I read the question. Maybe it’s all that time I spend volunteering at elementary schools. Good job Marinka!!
[Reply]
Comment by Plano Mom.
My son taught me the elbow maneuver when he was in Kindergarten. Made his day to teach Mom something.
As for the coworkers? Buy a large can of the stinkiest Lysol you can find. Every time someone sneezes without covering, spray a huge noxious cloud of Lysol over the entire office, while loudly exclaiming “DIE FILTHY GERMS! DIE!
Pretty much guarantees that they will then be so afraid of you going postal they’ll never sneeze or cough again.
[Reply]
Comment by Mom on the Verge.
If it’s good enough for Chuck Todd, it’s good enough for me!
http://www.aolnews.com/story/kathleen-sebelius-chuck-todd-sneeze/676162
[Reply]
Leave a Comment
The Mouthy Housewives respect everyone's opinion, however, if you're attacking other commentors, you will be deleted. And sent to your room until you can play nicely.
RSS Feed
GrandeMocha Reply:
October 18th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Love “DIE FILTHY GERMS! DIE!” Excellant idea!
[Reply]