Covering coughs and sneezes and keeping hands clean can help prevent the spread of serious respiratory illnesses like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and COVID-19. Germs can be easily spread by:Coughing, sneezing, or talking Touching your face with unwashed hands after touching contaminated surfaces or objects Touching surfaces or objects that may be frequently touched by other people Remember to immediately wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting sick, especially at key times when you are likely to get and spread germs. To help prevent the spread of respiratory disease, you can also avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are ill, you should try to distance yourself from others so you do not spread your germs. Distancing includes staying home from work or school when possible.