How do you tactfully tell a doctor, a boss, etc. that you don't want to shake hands about 30 minutes after they sneezed on it, and just wiped with a tissue?
I have heard that Purell and like products do not kill influenza etc. so offering them some, does not protect you.
Even if they are not sick, do you want to know that was the last thing they came into contact with?
How do you handle these things so that everybody saves face?
I thought about saying, "I don't want to shake your hand, bc I may be coming down with something, but I don't want to lie." thanks.

hand sanitizers DO work. Rub your hands well, then allow to air dry. Washing your hands is the gold standard, but using warm water, soap, friction. As a nurse I use hand sanitizer dozens of times a day, and recommend it for all my patients in the home also.

I would just simply say "I am being careful about hand contact during this flu season."

hey, that is a very good idea. Thank you!
I'm still curious though. The hand stuff will kill flu germs?
I use it religiously, but keep hearing that we are over using and it's not that affective.
I keep it in my purse at all times, and wipe down grocery cart, etc.

I agree with SaraSewing...I do not shake hands hardly ever anymore...I just casually mention that with all of the virus's going around, that I don't think it is a good idea. I have not had anyone say anything or even give me an odd look... I also clean the handles of the grocery carts and use MY pen to punch in my pin numbers on key pads... and I use my sleeve to open doors.

You are lucky you only have to avoid hand shaking - I have to avoid KISSING! :shock: Dreadful, unhygienic French habit! I'm afraid I fib and do the 'think I'm coming down with something' thing. Or I just hold back and let them think I'm a rude English woman with no manners! :mrgreen: Although I know the childrens' teachers have put kissing on hold while the H1N1 epidemic is on - usually, they kiss each child on both cheeks every morning. :D

Here, EVERYONE kisses EVERYONE when they meet them. Hard to NOT do it. I usually just hold my breath. lol
But, I've been taking alot of vitamins lately....well, since I finally got rid of the little bug I was fighting. Been taking one of those Airbornes daily too. All of us have.
Hand sanitizer is a must while out and about. I keep a bottle in the van. Courtney carries 2 little bottles in her purse. I always wipe down shopping carts when I get them. Lately, I have seen sanitizing wipes at the entrance to stores for the shopping carts. Don't know how many people use them, but I do!!

gee, k, that is a LOT of kissing! even on the cheeks, things are sometimes airborne! I don't blame you for whatever you have to do! :shock:
geeza whizza...hope all that kissing doesn't, 'spread', over here, lol! :roll:

What is AIRBORNE, please?
I am so glad to hear about all that you do. I use to feel a little embarrassed but did it anyway. Now I just feel like, I'll be smart, and you be silly if that is what you want!
Hubby is feeling shunned as he is a mite sick at the moment, but I would expect him to stay away from me! He just made a doctors appointment for this afternoon.
I have to go to town, and feeling like putting a bubble suit on, lol! I will just have a bottle in each pocket and keep using pp towels and napkins for doors and such. yes, I hate those button thingies. I hate to use my pen, but it's better than my fingers. I am an unconscious rubber, scratcher, feeler. Trying to break all those habits. With chronic itching it ain't easy. :?

LOL, my kids have teased me for years of having a germ phobia, but I learned to be extremely cautious, by working in a hospital! This has been a good thread for me. It is building up my self protection mode. I really appreciate all the feedback! :D at least we can still share ideas, with no worry...well, you know, LOL! :lol:

Airborne is a tablet that is full of mainly vitamin C and other good stuff. You put it in a glass of water and it fizzles like Alka Seltzer, but tastes much better! Hubby and daughter swear by it!!