Bibliographic information
GuidelineWHO guideline on public health and social measures for mitigating the risk and impact of epidemic and pandemic influenza
Year of Publication2026
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
New
WHO recommends the practising of respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette by individuals not wearing a mask to prevent transmission of influenza viruses during influenza epidemics and pandemics
Recommended in favor
Strong
Certainty of evidence
Moderate
Notes and Remarks
The effectiveness of respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette increases when used alongside other measures. If individuals are wearing a mask, hand hygiene should be performed, while symptomatic individuals not wearing a mask should practise respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette alongside hand hygiene.