Of late, the media have emphasized the need to take precautions against the potentially deadly swine flu by washing hands frequently and getting a flu shot, but my proposal is more radical — a ban on handshaking. My idea will undoubtedly be met with skepticism, as shaking hands is a longstanding tradition associated with friendliness and cordiality. In a world where people spend hours facing computer screens and have increasingly less personal contact with others, some will think this rude, outrageous, even preposterous. But in light of a potential flu pandemic, there is reason to change this outdated custom. It is not feasible in every situation to wash our hands or use antibacterial lotion. As someone with a compromised immune system, I submit this letter to advocate for our children, our frail elderly and those with invisible illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and chronic fatigue syndrome. There is no benign flu. My friend’s 13-year-old diabetic son was just diagnosed with the swine flue and he was up all night throwing up, a dangerous situation for someone with diabetes. Another friend had been bedbound for weeks with this virulent flu. Banning handshakes would be pragmatic and self protective, not anti-social. Furthermore, shaking hands should be prohibited in healthcare settings. Medical professionals are rushed; despite best intentions, they may not always have time to clean their hands between patients. We should substitute germ-free greetings such as bows, borrowing from the Japanese, or use the Indian greeting, “Namaste.” Hands are pressed together in front of the heart and the head bowed downward. Another alternative would be saluting. If saluting is good enough for the military, why not the rest of us? Or we could patriotically hold our right hands over our hearts, as in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Abolishing handshakes would be awkward initially, but worth it to stay healthier. I put forth this suggestion in earnest. Just say no to handshakes.