It’s quite incredible to think that a single sneeze is capable of expelling an average of 40,000 droplets while reaching speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. As such, it’s probably fortunate that we’re unable to see these microscopic disease carriers.

But even if you’ve managed to reach for your Kleenex in time, it takes a lot more than your tissue to stop a sneeze in its tracks.


What Causes Sneezing 

So why do we sneeze? Quite simply, the act of sneezing is an involuntary reflex action that happens in response to unwanted particles or blockages inside the nose. Those tiny nasal hairs inside our nostrils serve to filter out these particles. And when they become irritated, they send signals to our brains instigating the sneeze. When we sneeze, the force of air coming out of our nostrils expels whatever is blocking the nasal cavity and causing the irritation.

How Sneeze Germs Spread 

As soon as the sneeze leaves the confines of the nostrils, its path immediately spreads in all directions in front of you. While the majority of droplets are projected straight ahead, many more will begin falling long before the furthest droplet eventually lands. This could be anywhere within a 360 degree radius ahead.

If you don’t happen to have a tissue at the ready and try stifling that sneeze with your hand, anything you touch within the next 24 hours is going be the recipient of those very same sneeze germs. So if you are in a public place, such as on a train or bus, any hand rails you hold onto or seats you touch are going to be contaminated by your germs ready for the next person who touches them to pick up.

How To Slow Gems Spreading 

The best way of slowing down the spread of sneeze germs is to use a tissue and then bin it. And always wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible, or alternatively use a hand sanitizer if you’re out and about. All it takes is for one of those 40,000 droplets to infect one other person, who can infect another and another and the cycle continues.

Don’t forget the old saying; coughs and sneezes spread diseases!