“When You Cough, When You Sneeze” was written by Jeff Lehman, MT-BC, owner of Archtop Music Therapy. You can find them online at archtopmusictherapy.com.
This song addresses basic hygiene and was written for children. Jeff says, Growing up I learned to cover my coughs and sneezes with my hands. This was standard practice at the time. Problem is, those cough and sneeze germs in your hands can then be transferred onto any object you touch. The CDC guidelines have only changed in the past 10-15 years: cough or sneeze into your elbow!
Coughs and sneezes can come on suddenly. Often there is no time to think and you must subconsciously react. This is why the chorus of the song is repeated over and over and over again. I hope that you find it catchy! The song verses give information on why using your elbow is important and give some alternatives: use hand sanitizer or soap and water if you cough or sneeze into your hands and use a tissue (if you have one) to cover your coughs and sneezes.
If you are interested in a download of the song, contact the composer for information at jeff@archtopmusictherapy.com
This song was submitted as part of the American Music Therapy Association Covid-19 Songwriting Contest. Find out more information at www.musictherapy.org.