Shake Hands When You’re Sick? What You Should Do Instead(Video)

The flu is so bad this year, it's tempting to just stay home so you don't come in contact with anyone.  That's why this new survey about HANDSHAKING caught our attention.

Over 1,000 people were asked how they greet people when they're sick.  11% said they just shake hands anyway.  Not a good idea.

For everyone else, here are the top five things we do INSTEAD of shaking hands.  The percentages don't add up to 100 because they were allowed to pick more than one

•   Wave hello instead of shaking.  51% said they do it.
•   Just avoid shaking hands altogether, 45%.
•   Fist bump, 16%.  We thought that would be a little higher.  Studies have found it's much safer than shaking hands.
•   Air kiss, 10%.
•   High-fiving them, 8%.  A study in 2014 found it only transmits about half as many germs as shaking hands.
• Elbow bump is another great one
• Our news guy Tom said chest bump, don't know if that is such a good idea.

Aberystwyth University/YouTube

According to medical experts, the best defense against sickness is to ramp up hand washing. Fortunately, Americans are heeding that advice. 61% of respondents make it a point to suds up more frequently to avoid getting germs or passing them on to others.

Get out the Lysol wipes. On the home front, nearly 80% escalate their cleaning and sanitizing. If a family member is sick or a bug is going around, they proactively wipe down bathroom surfaces, wash sheets and/or towels and clean kitchen surfaces.