Excuse Me

Cold and flu season is upon us. With the added fear of H1N1 flu strain, proper etiquette for an illness and prevention looks more like germaphobia than common courtesy. Companies who, in prior years, may have indirectly communicated the expectation to work while under the weather, are now encouraging employees to work from home or take time off until they feel better. In fact, many health care companies have released reports showing the cost of presenteeism is far greater than absenteeism. In other words, it's cheaper to your employer if you stay home instead of suffering at work. (Keep in mind you are most contagious two to three days after the first cold symptoms appear. You can pass the flu along one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick.)

In 1978, Amy Vanderbilt's Complete Book of Etiquette suggests that "When you sneeze or cough, especially in close quarters on a crowded bus or in an elevator, do it in your handkerchief, with your face turned away from those closest to you. Always say "Excuse me, please" afterward.

These days, if you do find yourself needing to leave the house while feeling unwell, there are additional precautions to take to prevent germs from spreading.

• Step out of the room if you need to sneeze or cough


• If this isn't possible to do in time, cover your nose or mouth with the crook of your elbow. This will mask germs much better than your hand, and has a lower risk of passing them on.


• Although handkerchiefs may still have a place in decorating suit coat pockets and catching a tear or two, during a cold, opt for a disposable tissue for sneezes instead.


• Hand washing is the best prevention for spreading germs! Wash, wash, wash!


• Hand sanitizer is a good back up to use when a sink is not around. Additionally, use sanitizer wipes to clean off door knobs, counters, hard surfaces, handles, etc

Although traditional etiquette advises otherwise, while under the weather, don't shake anyone's hand. Explain that you are ill and don't want to pass it along. If you have any social commitments, it's best to cancel or reschedule. The hosts or guests should be understanding.

image from Real Simple