Ask Karen: Nose blowing etiquette

By Karen McNew
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: January 30, 2008

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Q:  When my family and I go out to dinner there is always someone at the next table that insists on blowing their nose at their table.  This happens everytime we go to dinner.  My question is why do people blow their nose at a table anyway?  What makes them think because they are done eating that it’s okay to blow their nose while everyone else isn’t? Thanks for any input you can give me on this.
A:  This question is a bit of a stretch for health team but since it was interesting I thought I would check to see what if any health angle there is here.

Your e-mail caused me to think of the different things that can really irk a person.  I started asking some of my co-workers their opinions.  I found differing opinions.  Some people say it is disgusting to blow your nose at the table no matter what. I also found some people who say putting lipstick and powder or brushing hair are also off limits at the dinner table to matter where you are.  Others say if you just blow your nose lightly it is okay, but that it would be most polite to excuse yourself from the table.

Is there any real health issue related to nose blowing at the table?

“Other than being offensive to people, there is no real health concern,“ says Michelle Peregoy with the Virginia Department of Health.

But, no matter where blow your nose,  make sure you wash your hands afterward,  Any health expert will tell you the best way to cut back on the spread of germs is to keep your hands clean.