Shaking Hands in Cold/Flu Season.....

[cjsbmom]

So how do you all handle this? When presented with the situation, do you still shake hands, even in the height of the cold and flu season?

I was thinking about this in church this morning, because churches are the worst offenders of the "shaking hands at all costs" thing. And as I watched people around me rubbing their noses, coughing and sneezing directly into their hands, I got ill just thinking about it. People do some pretty gross things with their bare hands, and then thrust them out for you to shake them happily.

During this time of year, I always avoid shaking hands. I politely tell people I'd prefer not to share my germs. Most people are OK with it, but some are utterly offended.

So what do you do? Grin and bear it, or say no way, Jose, and stick your hands in your pockets?

[krysstizzle]

I always shake hands. I just keep my anti-viral/anti-bacterial essential oil blend handy :)

[cjsbmom]

 I used to shake and then use my antibacterial hand gel, but people seemed even more pissed off about that than if I just said "no thanks" and declined to shake their hand.

Quoting krysstizzle:

I always shake hands. I just keep my anti-viral/anti-bacterial essential oil blend handy :)

 

[LucyMom08]

 I am a cashier at a grocery store...I am constantly handling money and things like that...I just do it, I'm not too obsessive about germs...they happen :)

[krysstizzle]

lol 

Yeah, I don't do put it on right after shaking. I probably could though, I think the perception of essential oils would be a lot different than antibacterial gel. Plus it smells good and makes people happy :)

Quoting cjsbmom:

 I used to shake and then use my antibacterial hand gel, but people seemed even more pissed off about that than if I just said "no thanks" and declined to shake their hand.

Quoting krysstizzle:

I always shake hands. I just keep my anti-viral/anti-bacterial essential oil blend handy :)

 

[rfurlongg]

I do. If I get sick, I get sick. I cannot really live my life with the fear of "what if."

[Euphoric]

 This.

Quoting rfurlongg:

I do. If I get sick, I get sick. I cannot really live my life with the fear of "what if."