The Cough Silencer is your answer , I don't go out without mine .

It's sturdy made and works very well . Sportsman's Guide has them right now for $20 . I've used mine when deer were present without spooking them . When you change the cotton balls in it after each use you'll have to experiment with number and placement for best results , but I've had folks sit less than 3 feet from me and have trouble hearing me cough into it . I'm a 30 year ex-smoker , and I honk like a goose when I cough , so that's the best endorsement you're likely to get .