I haven't read all of the posts (sorry) so I apologize if I'm redundant here, but

First, I'm trying to think of tactful ways to avoid shaking hands. Some of my friends' pastors have put the "everybody shake hands with your neighbor" part of the service on hiatus (whew). But I'd like not to embarrass someone who just wasn't thinking and sticks his/her hand out for a handshake.

A couple of times I've said "Tell you what, let's do an air handshake until flu season's over". I'm trying to come up with some more.

Another thing I'm thinking of asking our PCP next week is, what should we have on hand in CASE one or both of us gets one of the flus. We both have medical conditions or take meds which might make certain OTC's not good ideas. We're a half hour from a drugstore, so I'd rather throw away a few bucks' worth of stuff we don't use than wake up some morning wishing we had it.

It takes a lot of energy to be proactive, doesn't it?

Thanks for this post: we can never be reminded too often to be vigilant.

I keep a bottle of hand santizer with me at all times to deal with those unavoidable contacts. I also carry anti-baterial wipes - nothing is more germ covered than a shopping cart!

My biggest wish is that those who can tolerate the vaccine get it and that those infected stay home whenever possible. It makes me so angry when folks say it's "just a little flu" and don't think of those of us who are more vulnerable.

since cooler weather is here, you can always wear your gloves, or simply be honest and say "I am sorry, but until flu season passes, I have stopped shaking hands." then put your hands into a prayer position in front of your chest and bow your head a tiny bit. somehow folks see that as conveying respect.

I just got back from an Italian funeral. WOO! hugging, kissing, face kissing, hand shaking, and I smell like 40 different kinds of thick perfume! My lips and rim of my nose are raw from blowing, and crying and kissing so many faces. Good thing I already had the flu. If not I would surely have gotten something from kissing hundreds of faces. There were over 300 signatures in the guest book, and most said MR. and MRS so doubles!

Make sure YOU practice good hand washing. Sing happy birthday to you TWICE while washing your hands to know you have washed long enough. DONT TOUCH YOUR FACE! that is how the germs get in. Use your sleeve, or glove to open doors, or push it with your elbow or backside. skip the sink in the ladies room, and use wipes, or gel you have in your own bag. Speaking of bags, NEVER EVER EVER set your bag on the floor of the Ladies Room! That place is bacteria soup, and then we come home and plop it on our tables, and kitchen counters. YICK! I have a small travel lysol spray in my bag. End of the day, I give the bag a squirt. its easy to use for phones, or shopping carts, or toilets.

Its not fair that the CDC hyped up so many about flu shots, and then dont have enough to go around, this is creating some panic.

Yes, I went to the Doc's Thurs for my annual and his office was on back order for both the reg and the HiNi shots. I'll have to go back in November to get the reg.....if I bother..

The Prez has announced that the Swine flu is now a national emergency.

We just had our first SF death....a five yr old girl, who had some underlying athsma probs..

It seems to be worse on kids than adults.

According to the CDC people born in 1950 or before have some immunity to the H1N1 flu. Younger people have not had as many things as us older ones have. I had the other two pandemics, the Asian Flu and the Hong Kong Flu. And then various other stuff. Hope I'm covered enough.

However, I will not go out blissfully among obviously sick people and I will, and do, diligently wash my hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer and all of the rest.

I would think that there would be more people avoiding the whole hand shaking, hugging and kissing thing right now. I like what Dejibo wrote and think that's a great way of avoiding the handshake.

If I wash my hands any more, the skin is going to just peel off!! My hands are so dry from washing them and using hand sanitizer that I have lotion next to each sink to use each time I wash them.

Stocking up on things you may need should you get sick is a good idea. You're better off having it on hand and maybe wasting a few dollars than running out to the store when you aren't feeling well. Besides some of the OTC's have a long enough shelf life that you may need them sometime during this season!

My DD said the teachers are having all the kids wash, wash, wash their hands. She said some kids don't even bother to stick their hands under water. They stand in front of the sink, count to five and leave! If kids won't even wash their hands when told to do it along with the rest of the kids, I can just imagine how many adults are sneezing into their hands or wiping their noses and not bothering to wash them. My DD and I are scheduled to go for the H1N1 flu shot and Wednesday can't come soon enough! Like Hockey wrote - those that can handle the shot should get it and I agree. We already got the seasonal flu shot and my DH will get his at work.

If I see someone ready to shake my hand, I simply either cough or sneeze in my hands in full view of prospective shaker and look apologetic. Works every time.

My Doc came into the room and shook my hand, thursday..

Yes my job, lots of hand involvement... we collect money at counter for peoples orders..McDonald's... you would be amazed over all the years I worked the last restaurant with drive thru... and both stores at counter how many times you see... ewwww a customer driving up or walking up sneeze or cough into their hand then get money to hand to you so we take it as carefully and then zip to the hand sanitizer .. near counter.... but what do people think when they do that...ugggg