The Swine Flu Elbow Bump

I visited Washington, D.C., recently for a national medical conference and was introduced to the "elbow bump."

I went to introduce myself to one of the doctors in attendance and put out my hand for a handshake. He proceeded to offer me his elbow.

“This is what we’re doing now,” he said, encouraging me to bump my elbow to his rather than shake hands in deference to swine flu.

I realize that we don’t want to cause anyone to be sick or to become sick ourselves, but this is not something I will encourage or promote. You will not become sick just by touching another person’s hand. If you are concerned, keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth and nose to avoid germs entering your system, and wash your hands every time you have a chance. If you are sick, stay home.

The connection created by a handshake is important. The bump of an elbow just doesn’t seem like a universal substitute.

Photo credit: ooh.ooh (flickr.com)