WINNIPEG -- Almost two of every three Canadians are foregoing handshakes and hugs because of concern over swine flu.
A Canadian Press-Harris Decima poll suggests 60 per cent of those surveyed declined to touch others for fear of transmitting the flu virus.
One-third of those polled said they were less inclined to shake hands because of H1N1, and the vast majority said they wouldn't be offended if someone refused.
Across the world, people have been urged to cut down on contact with others and bump elbows rather than shake hands.
And in Canada, archdioceses from Halifax to Vancouver are replacing the customary handshake during the sign of peace with a bow of the head.
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Just over 1,000 Canadians were surveyed for the poll between Oct. 8 and Oct. 12. The poll has a margin of error of 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
