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What to Do if You Can't Stop Coughing in Class

Few things can disrupt your day in the classroom more than a sudden, loud cough—or even worse, a coughing fit. Whether you’re taking a test, giving a lecture, or trying to concentrate on your studies, learn how to stop coughing in class with these tips.

Man coughing into arm while wearing face mask

How to Stop Yourself From Coughing in Class

A cough can be an uncontrollable and involuntary reflex.1 What’s more, coughing is actually a vital way to protecting your lungs from infection and inflammation, helping to defend you against disease.1

However, frequent coughing can also be annoying: not only can coughing lead to fatigue and impair your concentration, but it can also impact your social interactions before and after your class.1

While it is strongly recommended to stay home from school when sick, it is understood that sometimes going out in public is unavoidable. If it becomes necessary to be in public while unwell, here are some tips help relieve your cough and to help stop the spread of germs and keep others healthy:

Stay hydrated

Keep a water bottle in your backpack so you can drink plenty of fluids, especially water or juice.2 Warm lemon water with honey can be especially effective at keeping you hydrated and soothing your throat.2 However, it’s advisable to avoid caffeine, since it dehydrates you instead.2

Cough into your arm

Avoid spreading germs by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough.3 Be sure to dispose of it in a wastebasket when you get a chance.3 If you don't have a pack of tissues on you, cough into the crook of your elbow instead of your hands.3

Ask to leave the class

If you’re able to excuse yourself, now would be a great time to go and wash your hands effectively, which is one of the easiest and most effective ways to avoid getting sick (or spreading illness to those around you).3 Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after coughing or sneezing.3

Wear a mask

Wearing a face mask can help lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus into the open air, where it can potentially get others sick.4 Not only are you protecting others, but you’re staying protected yourself: masks can help you from breathing in infectious particles or airborne irritants that might make you cough.4,1 Wear a good-fitting mask that completely covers the nose and mouth.4

Take cough medication

Small enough to fit into a backpack or locker, a convenient cough solution like Robitussin Soft Chews can provide up to 8 hours of long-lasting relief, all in a convenient berry-tasting chewable. And when the day is done, Robitussin Soft Chews Nighttime DM can provide long-lasting multi-symptom relief from coughs, runny nose, and sneezing overnight.

Source Citations:

  1. That nagging cough. Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/that-nagging-cough/. Accessed 7/24/2024.
  2. 7 ways to combat coughs, colds. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/7-ways-to-combat-coughs-and-colds/. Accessed 7/24/2024.
  3. Healthy Habits: Coughing and Sneezing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/coughing-and-sneezing.html/. Accessed 7/24/2024.
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/masks.html/. Accessed 7/24/2024.
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