What to do if someone sneezes, coughs near you

A professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Fredrick Sherman, has proffered advice on what to do to escape being infected with COVID-19 if you come into contact with an infected person.

Sherman said since COVID-19 is primarily transmitted person-to-person through respiratory droplets from sneezing or coughing, it is imperative to know the next line of action.

“If you find yourself in a high-risk scenario in which a someone sneezes or coughs near you, immediately exhale to avoid inhaling droplets or aerosols.

“Purse your lips to make the exhaling last longer. Turn your head fully away from the person and begin walking,” Sherman counselled.

Experts say wile the method won’t definitively protect anyone from COVID-19, it could reduce how much of the virus one is exposed to if the person who coughs or sneezes happens to be contagious.

“You’re more likely to get sick if you inhale higher doses of the virus.

“The amount of time you’re exposed to infected particles also matters in terms of transmission; the longer you’re around them, the more time the virus has to get into your system,” Sherman said.

The Centre for Disease Control also urged people to continue to socialize outdoors.

“People have a higher risk of contracting the virus indoors than they do outdoors, due to less ventilation and space, which makes it harder for people to socially distance.

“They should also be vigilant about wearing face masks, which, arguably, offer the best protection against the virus.

“Finally, continue to wash or disinfect your hands as well as high-touch surface areas in your home.” CDC said.