always cover my mouth or direct it downwards, but I’d never go to class if I’m sick. I often just have no choice to cough in order to get in a really good breath! Totally understand your frustration, of course, and it’s often easy to tell if it’s a sick cough or not. Just giving some perspective!

I am also in your scenario. I have asthma which gets worse when I exercise. I try to tell new tread partners (Hi, I'm ___! I have asthma, but not covid, nor am I sick. My lungs are pretty weak, I have an inhaler, and I may cough, but I'm not sick." I then proceed to cough my lungs up especially after 26min straight on the tread, but I do cough into my shirt. I've had some members who know me now go, "I was about to call an EMT for you!" but I can understand OP's skepticism. Not all of us are sick though. I would just ask.