What are the proper manners related to sneezing?

Different Responses - Not to Be Sneezed At

• As taught in hospital orientation, you never cover a sneeze with your hands -- ever. It's the best way to spread germs. The best way to do it is in the pit of your elbow and to turn away from anyone close by. But never cover your mouth with your hands.

• Sometimes sneezes come out of nowhere and without warning. Usually, though, you can feel one coming on, so put your hand over your mouth and nose, then wash your hands or use bacterial gel on your hands. If you don't have time for that, turn away from those around you, and after you sneeze say "Excuse me." It's a normal function.

• Although this may sound a bit odd, sneezing into the pit of the elbow works well -- it limits the amount of germs transmitted. This elbow-method is especially helpful when cooking, since frequent hand-washing is a must even when not sneezing.

• One should always endeavour to sneeze into a handkerchief. In addition, always turn away from anyone nearby. If you are caught without a handkerchief, your nose and mouth should be covered by a hand or even both hands quickly cupped in front of the nose and mouth. All being well, a simple "Do excuse me" will suffice. Sneezes are natural; there's no need for a fuss.
  

• Excellent advice! Be sure to follow up those sneezes into the hand(s) with a good, soapy hand-washing or antibacterial hand sanitizer as soon as possible.

• Many people, upon hearing another sneeze, say 'Bless you'. Many non-English languages instead use a variation on 'good health', such as salud, Gesundheit, etc. When in the middle of a meeting or play, it is no longer a considerate comment, but a rude interjection interrupting the speaker.
• Saying 'bless you' is is a left-over superstition that a person's soul may fly out their nose when they sneeze. Generally when a religious person assumes everyone is religious, and behaves accordingly, my mild objection of 'thanks, but I don't believe in that' or whatever, is taken as ME being rude for objecting to their imposing their beliefs on me. As an atheist, I don't much want their blessings-- how can they be considerate when imposing their religious practice on me?
  
• I'd say the most mannerly response would be to avoid religious discussions altogether and merely offer a tissue if it is needed.

First answer by Marcy. Last edit by ESanderson. Contributor trust: 21 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 42 [recommend question]