Which strategy is effective at reducing or preventing illness?

Question

Responses

covering your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze
covering your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze

wearing a coat and hat when you go outside during cold weather
wearing a coat and hat when you go outside during cold weather

only sharing eating utensils with family members
only sharing eating utensils with family members

eating foods high in complex carbohydrates

Answer 1

The most effective strategy at reducing or preventing illness from the options provided is covering your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze. This practice helps prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that may contain viruses or bacteria, thereby reducing the transmission of illnesses such as the flu or the common cold.

While the other strategies can contribute to overall health, they are not as directly effective at preventing the spread of infectious diseases. For example:

• Wearing a coat and hat during cold weather can help prevent hypothermia or illness related to cold exposure, but it does not prevent infectious diseases.
• Only sharing eating utensils with family members may reduce the risk of spreading germs but does not eliminate the risk entirely, especially if other hygiene practices are not followed.
• Eating foods high in complex carbohydrates contributes to overall health but does not directly prevent illness.

Therefore, the most effective option for reducing or preventing illness in terms of infectious disease transmission is covering your mouth when sneezing.