# Bless you, sneezy **URL:** \ **Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\ **Created:** [September 27, 2001, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bless-you-sneezy/84114 "2001-09-27T14:57:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![vd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b19c9b/32.png) [@vd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vd)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2001, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bless-you-sneezy/84114/1 "2001-09-27T14:57:52Z")
The people who really would need a “God Bless You” when a plague-ridden person sneezes are all the people standing nearby the sneezer. ---
**Author:** ![jonfromdenver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/82dd89/32.png) [@jonfromdenver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jonfromdenver)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2001, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bless-you-sneezy/84114/2 "2001-09-27T15:44:30Z")
the only thing i could think of while reading that entire column was: “You are SO good lookin’!” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![everton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecb155/32.png) [@everton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/everton)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2001, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bless-you-sneezy/84114/3 "2001-09-27T16:17:24Z")
[Here’s](http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mgesundheit.html) a link to the column BTW. I’ve never heard either of the rhymes quoted in connection with sneezing, but a close variation of the second one: One for sorrow, Two for joy, Three for a _girl_, Four for a boy, Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for a secret never to be told is traditionally associated in Britain with [fortune-telling by magpie](http://www.tljones.co.uk/magpie.htm). The number of magpies you see in a flock tells you what your future holds (if you believe in that sort of stuff). ---
**Author:** ![Songbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/35a633/32.png) [@Songbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Songbird)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2001, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bless-you-sneezy/84114/4 "2001-09-27T16:25:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jonfromdenver \* > \*\*the only thing i could think of while reading that entire column was: > > “You are SO good lookin’!” > > 😃 \*\* Whatcha got cookin’? Not certain if you meant me, Jon, but thanks for the smile. SDStaff Songbird Straight Dope Science Advisory Board ---
**Author:** ![Greg\_Charles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/839c29/32.png) [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2001, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bless-you-sneezy/84114/5 "2001-09-27T21:59:12Z")
Wait a minute Songbird. You cover your mouth with your arm instead of your hand when you sneeze? I thought I was supposed to cover my mouth when I yawned or coughed. I just turn my head to sneeze. Are you really saying I have to coat myself with mucous in order to follow the dictates of etiquette? ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2001, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bless-you-sneezy/84114/6 "2001-09-28T12:05:28Z")
Sneezing into the crock of your elbow is considered more healthy (for you and for others) than simply sneezing into the air or into your hand. I sneezed a sneeze Into the air; It fell to earth I know not where; But the looks I got Were hard and cold From those in the vicinity Of where I snoze. ---
**Author:** ![Re\_PT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a698b9/32.png) [@Re\_PT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Re_PT)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2001, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bless-you-sneezy/84114/7 "2001-09-28T17:37:33Z")
I’ve heard that rhyme concerning Magpies like you have, **everton** , and not relating to sneezes. The problem with that is that, by my count I must be in the mid thousands. Anyone have any idea what that means? [sub]apart from a plague of birds[/sub] The only rhyme I can think of is: “Coughs and sneezes spread diseases” PT ---
**Author:** ![Songbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/35a633/32.png) [@Songbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Songbird)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2001, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bless-you-sneezy/84114/8 "2001-09-30T18:26:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Greg Charles \* > \*\*Wait a minute Songbird. You cover your mouth with your arm instead of your hand when you sneeze? I thought I was supposed to cover my mouth when I yawned or coughed. I just turn my head to sneeze. Are you really saying I have to coat myself with mucous in order to follow the dictates of etiquette? \*\* Absolutely. You could use your hand, but then you’d have to wash it immediately to avoid the spread of germs. It’s not always a good idea to share, and this is another example of that – no one wants your germs. You should also cover your mouth when you yawn or cough, as you astutely point out. I’m not saying the idea’s perfect. It’s just what’s being touted as best at this time. Good luck and God bless you! SDStaff Songbird Straight Dope Science Advisory Board ---
**Author:** ![Greg\_Charles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/839c29/32.png) [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2001, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bless-you-sneezy/84114/9 "2001-10-01T21:11:18Z")
OK, if I’m in a crowd, I can see how sneezing into my hand, elbow crook, or arm pit might be the best solution. In more open situations though, I can’t see what’s wrong with scattering my germs to the four winds. (Actually, I usually aim for the ground.) Oh, yes, it’s not an ideal solution, but I find it somewhat preferable to sliming up my own arm and way better than sliming my shirt or jacket sleeve if I’m dressed that way. I hate to do this, but I have no choice. I have to ask you (Songbird and CK) for a cite. If Emily Post and/or Miss Manners so advise, then of course I’ll reconsider my stance.