Sneezing Spreads Germs

Every week, the Null dissects the most self-evident studies and pointless papers not to hit the headlines. It's harsh, but funny. This week, we learn to use a hanky.

What has your mother been telling you ever you since you were old enough to ignore her? Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, don’t wipe your nose on your sleeve - right? It’s just basic good hygiene practice.

We’re all well aware what happens if kids start sneezing all over each other; nasty germs spread everywhere and mum winds up in the tinned section searching for chicken soup.

And yet it has taken a multinational team of scientists to prove it. Lead researcher, Tom Jefferson, explained that introducing hygienic measures around younger children could effectively block the spread of respiratory infection and protect them from disease. Scientists also suggest keeping infected children away from their peers to avoid passing on viruses and advocate the use of face masks.

The report was produced from a number of earlier studies on respiratory infections, which researchers scoured to extract the information. Unfortunately it’s only reiterating what every parent already knows.