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Since the start of the pandemic, much has changed globally in people’s interpersonal relationships.

Fear, suspicion, anxiety for the person next to them, are just a few of the emotions that dominate our days.

The only thing that is certain is that if someone in a public place starts coughing, they will cause panic in those around them. So, if there is ever a good time to practice respiratory hygiene, it is definitely now.

Before the coronavirus, it was perfectly normal to go to work or school with a mild cough or sniffle.

This is no longer the case, because the probability of spreading a viral agent is high and if it happens, it will be difficult to manage in each person’s microenvironment. So, if we are not feeling well and have symptoms of a viral infection, it would be best to stay home.

Of course, this causes adverse effects on multiple levels * socially, economically and psychologically. In this way, however, we protect society as a whole by contributing to slowing the spread of respiratory infections in general (we should not forget the flu and common cold viruses).

The use of a mask has proven, after vaccination, to be the most effective preventive measure, reducing the percentage of droplets released into the air during speaking, coughing and sneezing.

It protects both ourselves and those around us.

It would be a good idea to always carry one or two extra masks with us, to change them when necessary. If someone is not wearing a mask and coughs or sneezes, they should cover their mouth with their elbow or a handkerchief.

We should avoid coughing without covering our mouth, or by covering it with our hands. Immediately after use, we should throw the tissue in the trash. It is always necessary to wash our hands with soap and water – or with disinfectant – after coughing or sneezing.

Serious respiratory viruses are usually transmitted with our hands when we touch our face after touching contaminated surfaces.

To summarize, we should:

• Wash our hands frequently,
• Avoid touching our face with dirty hands, and
• Clean surfaces that we have touched with contaminated hands or on which we have coughed.
• Avoid shaking hands, kissing, and hugging when there are symptoms of infection.

Concluding this brief review of respiratory hygiene, it would be good to know the basic symptoms of respiratory infections.

So, these include:

• Fever with or without chills
• Cough with or without sputum
• Difficulty breathing
• Myalgias – Headaches
• Anosmia or Ageusia
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rashes

By following these simple rules of respiratory hygiene, we protect ourselves and society as a whole, effectively contributing to limiting the pandemic.