Dracula sneeze

plural Dracula sneezes

1. informalA sneeze directed into the crook of one's elbow so as to help prevent the spread of germs.

   Use a closed fist or assume the Dracula sneeze pose to temper germ transmission.

   2011, Phineas Mollod, Jason Tesauro, The Modern Gentleman, 2nd Edition: A Guide to Essential Manners, Savvy, and Vice, Ten Speed Press, →ISBN, page 177

   2 more examples

   Wang also encouraged the use of the "Dracula sneeze," or sneezing into the crease of your elbow as you bring your arm to your face.

   2009 September 9, Patrick Cowles, “H1N1 plagues campuses”, in The Daily Titan, volume 85, number 4, California State University, Fullerton, page 3

   Regarding prevention, the school has begun encouraging sick community members to use the “Dracula sneeze,” sneezing into their elbows to avoid getting germs on their hands and then onto doorknobs and plumbing fixtures.

   2009, Jeremy B. Merrill & Russell M. Page, "Swine Flu Hogs Campus Spotlight", The Claremont Port Side (Claremont Colleges), Volume 7, Issue 1, October 2009, page 7