Is It Safe to Hold in a Sneeze?

Just about every little weird thing your body does (from hiccups to dreaming) has a purpose. Prime example: sneezing. This bizarre behavior is yet another way the body protects itself from intruders. In the case of sneezing, intruders are pollen, mold, powders, and infected mucous, to name a few. When the body detects these in your airways, it tries to force them out through a sneeze.

Instead of holding in a sneeze, simply cover your mouth and nose, preferably with your elbow. This “Dracula method” is recommended over covering your mouth with your hand because you’re less likely to touch something with the crook of your arm, so you’ll further reduce the spread of germs post-sneeze.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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