Our new Premier does it. But the catholic church- not so much.
Shaking hands. It’s been a standard greeting for thousands of years. But in these H1N1 flu pandemic times, is it an unnecessary germ infested gesture?
“I’ve never once advised anyone to not shake hands or to kiss” announced Dr. Joel Kettner.
Manitoba’s top doctor says we have nothing to fear from pressing the flesh: H1N1 isn’t passed from skin to skin. Though washing your hands is still important.
“We can exercise flexibility and take another approach,” a local psychologist says there’s no need to get nostalgic over the handshake. There are safer ways to say hello.
“When we have a cold, we say you know I have a cold, so let’s just keep our distance. I’m still friendly. I still greet you. I don’t need to endanger you or myself by touching you” explained Rutner.
A nationwide poll released Monday showed one third of Canadians less inclined to shake hands, due to fears about the flu.
So how concerned are Winnipeggers with H1N1 and shaking hands? Global’s Lindsay Warner, put on a sign that read, “Free Handshakes” and hit the streets to find out.
Out of over 30 Winnipeggers she met today, only 3 turned down her offer for a free handshake.
Of those three – one man was particularly concerned for her health.
“I wouldn’t be touching your face,” said the man.
“Can I shake your hand?” asked Warner.
“Ummmmm No! With all the people you’ve been touching I’m not touching your hand.”
But the majority of people on the streets weren’t concerned at all.
“If you keep your hands clean- I think the whole H1N1 thing is overblown anyway.”
“If you didn’t stop shaking hands last year because of the flu there’s really no reason to stop doing it this year.”
To shake or not to shake: that’s still the question.
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