With Swine Flu on the Rise, Should We Stop Shaking Hands?

FOXNews.com ^ | Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | By Jessica Doyle

[metmom]

It’s expected. At a job interview, during an introduction, when saying goodbye . . . The handshake is as American as apple pie.

But -- eewww -- just imagine where that person’s hand might may have been before being clutched into yours! Touching a subway rail ... flushing a toilet ... changing a diaper ... maybe blowing a nose …

As a variant of swine flu H1N1 makes its way around the world, escalating the fears of millions and prompting many to wear face masks, perhaps it's time to ask:

Is it time to stop the handshake?

[metmom]

Paranoia anyone?

[Juan Medén]

We can switch to fist bumps like the Oh,Bummers!

[al baby]

just imagine where that person’s hand might may have been

or self loveing themselfs gross

[RDTF]

I guess that brings back the give em the handshake slip jive move

[yldstrk]

it’s not on the rise

[dforest]

People here in Indiana are acting normally. That must upset the crooks in charge at this time.

This whole thing has gotten ridiculous.

Sebelious is already out acting in charge. She has said nothing that we don’t already know.

[Daffynition]

[refreshed]

Doing away with the hand shake would be doing away with a convention that keeps us in touch with other people. If you want people to be even more cloistered and disconnected, this would be a good idea. If you want people to get along well, you might want to reconsider.

[silverleaf]

I think you should DEFINITELY shake hands first
then change a diaper, flush the toilet, and pick your nose

Unless you want to congratulate a liberal on obama’a historic 100 days - in that case, reverse the order

[Obadiah]

[steve-b]

Maybe people could just put up a hand and say “Hail Obama” instead.

[Lets Be Frank]

Hubby is a bit germ phobic..he really wants to stop the hand shaking in church. He is hoping the priest makes an announcement to just wish each other peace without the handshaking. Hubby has a low immune system and catches anything that comes close to him.

[JimSEA]

Simple, instead of shaking, show respect the Thai way.

Even Ronald McD does it. No touching.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

I'd like to warn everyone that if the flu panic continues events like graduations could be canceled. Just a heads up so keep a close eye on things from the school's end if an event like that is in your near future.

[al baby]

He caught you too

[Scythian]

Here's me minutes after shaking hands with a person who had swine flu ...

[justiceseeker93]

Handshakes alone won’t spread the virus, provided you wash your hand off with soap and water or disinfectant after shaking, before putting it near your face. I wouldn’t worry as much about handshake as a means of transmission as I would coughing or sneezing. Masks might help reduce transmission, but only to a limited extent.

[Osage Orange]

Don’t shake hands....swap spit!

[grobdriver]

Follow the lead of our Dear Leader:
Bow to everyone - especially if they're rich!

[Eagle Eye]

Handshakes contribute a great deal to cold, flu, and other disease transmission.

And you never know where the other person’s hands have just been....ewwww....!