NERS NEWS – Professional Nurse students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga carried out a Hospital Health Promotion (PKRS) activity themed “Understanding Pneumonia and Practicing Proper Cough & Sneeze Etiquette” on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 08.30 WIB in the Pulmonary Clinic of Universitas Airlangga Hospital. The activity was conducted through an interactive lecture, discussion, and a direct demonstration of proper cough and sneeze etiquette, using posters and leaflets as educational media to increase awareness among clinic visitors about the dangers of pneumonia and the importance of applying proper respiratory hygiene in daily life.
This health education session was delivered directly to visitors and patients in the Pulmonary Clinic of Universitas Airlangga Hospital. The material covered the definition and causes of pneumonia, signs and symptoms, prevention and treatment efforts, as well as proper cough and sneeze etiquette. The presenters emphasized that individuals with pneumonia may release droplets that can transmit infection to others around them. Therefore, practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette—such as covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or using the inner elbow, disposing of tissues in infectious waste bins, and immediately washing hands with soap—is a simple yet highly effective step in breaking the chain of disease transmission. During the session, participants showed high enthusiasm and actively asked questions, including differences between pneumonia-related cough and regular cough, the relationship between smoking habits and pneumonia risk, and the distinction between asthma and pneumonia.
This activity was conducted by Professional Nurse Students Batch B27, Group 13, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, supervised by clinical instructor Retno Muji Rahayu, S.Kep., Ns. and academic advisor Rifky Octavia Pradipta, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep., who provided guidance and supervision throughout the event. Their supervision ensured that the material delivered aligned with nursing practice standards and hospital infection prevention and control protocols.
The activity aimed to enhance the knowledge and awareness of patients and their families regarding pneumonia and the importance of practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette as a preventive measure against infection transmission. In addition, this initiative reflects the contribution of Professional Nurse students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being through promotive and preventive efforts in healthcare settings, and SDG 4: Quality Education by providing accurate, informative, and easy-to-understand health education to the community.
The PKRS activity titled “Understanding Pneumonia and Practicing Proper Cough & Sneeze Etiquette” ran smoothly and received positive responses from participants. Through this initiative, it is hoped that patients and families will gain a deeper understanding of the dangers of pneumonia and become more disciplined in practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette within the hospital environment and in daily life, thereby reducing the risk of respiratory infection transmission and contributing to improved public health.
Writer: Rista Zulfidha Rindi
Editor: Eva Khoirunnisa Adinta (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
