Remember the "Seinfeld" episode in which the failure to shake hands ruined a business deal? When Elaine's boss, the publisher Mr. Lippman, sneezes and doesn't have his handkerchief, he avoids shaking hands with a Japanese businessman. Though he only wants to avoid spreading germs, the Japanese executive thinks he's being rude and quashes a deal, putting Pendant Publishing out of business.
So the question is: With both the seasonal flu and H1N1 virus causing illness and death this year, should you avoid shaking hands in business situations?
The latest word from Miss Manners (Oct. 18, 2009, Washington Post column) is to make sure you have a clean handkerchief with you every day, and keep it where you can get to it quickly. She recommends that as a better solution than the "sleeve sneeze" some have advocated. I agree. I really don't like the thought of sneezing into the sleeve of a silk shirt or dress. Yuck!
A nationally known surgeon, Dr. Vicki Rackner (www.drvicki.org) of Washington state, recommends just saying “Nice to meet you,” and then not offering your hand.
Both the etiquette and medical expert think it's a good idea to carry hand cleaner and use it discreetly. Dr. Rackner also recommends washing your hands frequently using a NON-antibacterial soap. (Overuse of antibacterial cleaners can lead to deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA.)
In my own experience, there have been occasions when someone has shied away from shaking hands, usually after saying they have a cold and might be contagious. Any momentary awkwardness quickly passes.
What do you think? Are you less willing to shake hands this flu season than in past years?
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2 comments:
I'm always cautious of shaking hands in winter. I have had a pretty bad cold myself already this season, so I have no problem telling people not to shake my hand. Otherwise, I will shake hands and be sure to wash my hands thoroughly asap. I don't have time to get sick!
Thanks for your comment. Your approach makes sense to me. I think most people understand a hesitancy to shaking hands, especially this year with all the news stories about a pandemic.
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