Have you ever had someone around you start coughing and thought, “You better not cough on me?” We’ve all been there.

In today’s world, we’re surrounded by lots of illnesses, germs and bacteria. So it’s natural to wonder whether a cough pointed toward you could make you sick. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care Hixson wants to offer some perspective:

Is a Cough Contagious?

While the cough itself isn’t contagious, the germs the cough spreads can be. Whether visible or not, each time someone coughs, particles are spread into the air. Therefore, although you won’t immediately catch a cough from a person coughing, you can certainly catch an illness from the germs spreading through the air.

Causes of a Cough

• Allergies
• Croup
• Irritants in the air
• Smoking
• Whooping cough
• Viruses or infections

Are There Different Types of Coughs?

There are multiple types of cough, with the most common being the wet cough and the dry cough.

While a wet cough produces mucus or phlegm, a dry cough doesn’t. A dry cough is often referred to as “unproductive,” since the body isn’t pushing out germs.

Find Relief From a Cough

• Avoid perfume and scented products in the home.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the indoor air.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Try OTC medications and cough drops.
• Stand in a steamy shower.

Don’t want whatever medical condition is causing your loved one’s cough? Bring him or her in to AFC Urgent Care Hixson to get that cough treated!