MP's advice to stop a sneeze
THOSE about to sneeze should press their tongue firmly against the roof of their mouth, an MP advised today.
Following a swine flu statement in the Commons, Labour's Nia Griffith (Llanelli) suggested the advice should be included in official guidance on preventing the spread of infection.
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MP Nia Griffths
But Health Secretary Alan Johnson said he had "roadtested" the theory and it did not work.
Ms Griffith said: "In talking to people about how we can prevent the spread of infection, I have been very surprised to find out how very few people know that you can actually prevent a sneeze by licking the roof of your mouth.
"By putting your tongue firmly against the top of your mouth, you can stop a sneeze coming out or at least stave it off long enough until you've got a handkerchief out of your bag.
"I would like to ask you if you might consider including this in advice to people about how to prevent the spread of infection."
Mr Johnson replied: "You very helpfully passed me a note last week after the statement about this and I'd never heard about it before.
"All I can say is I've roadtested it and so has my right honourable friend (Health Minister Dawn Primarolo) and it doesn't work.
"So I think what we need perhaps is some instruction from you."
9 Comments
by Andy, Swansea
Friday, May 08 2009, 5:13PM
“Good old Alan Johnson. From head of the communication Workers union representing postal workers and fighting the Tory governments plans to privatise Royal Mail and opposing New Labours plans to remove Clause four Part four from the party statutes to sitting in the big house looking at ways to prevent sneezing.”
by Geraint, llanelli
Friday, May 08 2009, 1:41PM
“Great advice Nia... (S)NOT!
With your words of wisdom ringing around my head I was driving home from work when a huge sneeze began to build up from the bottom of my socks - not panicing I followed your instructions and pressed the roof of my mouth wih my tounge and...hey presto my nose erupted and my whole windscreen was swamped! I'm lucky I didn't crash. Windowlene anyone?”
by Anon, carms
Friday, May 08 2009, 1:12PM
“thats nice to know. will it also keep away welsh Nats as well if i sneeze , as i looked at there so called MEP election on TV and thats all it wason about Llanelli, what about the rest of wales. come down west and see what's it like as well.”
by maddentist, looking on in amazement
Friday, May 08 2009, 4:57AM
“My advice is to take a laxative daily and then you daren't sneeze.”
by Dale, Swansea
Thursday, May 07 2009, 10:04PM
“This all rediculous scare mongering, swine flu is no more deadly than seasonal flu”
by Swanseajock, Swansea
Thursday, May 07 2009, 9:35PM
“Help!! I haven't received my leaflet to tell me what to do when I sneeze. I am living in fear. Can I have my local AM and MP ring me to state the bleedin obvious.”
by sma, swansea
Thursday, May 07 2009, 5:34PM
“I will never take advice on health from an MP!”
by James Sheridan, Swansea
Thursday, May 07 2009, 4:29PM
“Seems as though this MP has got her Tongue firmly in her 'Cheek'!
Jim Sheridan”
by Adam, Skewen
Thursday, May 07 2009, 4:06PM
“What a load of rubbish, get a grip!!!!!!!!!
Next they'll be suggesting we cover our mouths with our hands when we are speaking 2 prevent us from spreading germs that way!!!!!!!!!!”