Swine flu and a new age of social greetings

Sep 19, 2009 9:10 AM

The swine flu pandemic has wreaked havoc on traditional greetings worldwide. France’s health ministry has recommended that countrymen avoid “la bise,” and Spain has reportedly recommended halting their “besos”—both are the traditional kisses on the cheeks.

In the U.S., touching is also coming under attack. Some college athletic programs have reportedly tried to shut down that hallmark of American sportsmanship, the post-game handshake. And one school district in Long Island, New York has attempted to discourage all touching: handshakes, hugs, kisses, fist bumps: you name it. And as was the case last spring when the swine flu outbreak began, houses of worships have been putting on hold traditional handshakes, handholding, and sharing of communal cups.

Touching can certainly spread the virus. Influenza viruses are spread primarily by the respiratory droplets from an infected persons coughs and sneezes. They can be absorbed through the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth. If you shake an infected person’s hand, you can get those droplets on your own—then if you touch your face, you can give the virus entrée to your mucous membranes. Though this won't be news to most of you, avoid touching your eyes nose or mouth, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol are proven ways to cut your risk.

But are these interventions effective? I haven’t seen any studies that show halting social greetings like these can slow a pandemic. For what it’s worth, a 2003 report from the Diocese of Toronto*, when the city was in the middle of the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) scare, concluded that sipping from a common cup and shaking hands represented minimal risks. But the practice of intinction—dipping sacramental bread in wine—posed a bigger threat.

Such policies of social distancing could arise in situations where tradition would make it impolite. I can’t see myself giving up handshakes or hugs altogether, at least not in the current environment. If someone appears ill or tells me they have a fever or cough—I’ll keep my distance. Otherwise, for now, I’ll take my chances.

—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

Read our latest coverage of swine flu and see some alternatives to the handshake from our sister site, Consumerist.com.