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Why COVID-19 Should Have Killed Shaking Hands
Shaking hands is a common greeting and gesture of goodwill that has been practiced for centuries, but the COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to the potential risks of this traditional behavior. While shaking hands may seem like a harmless and polite way to greet someone, it can actually be a significant source of transmission for infectious diseases.
One of the primary ways that COVID-19 and other viruses are transmitted is through the exchange of bodily fluids, and shaking hands involves the direct contact of one person’s hands with another person’s hands. This contact can transfer any viruses or bacteria that are present on the skin or under the nails, potentially leading to infection. In fact, COVID-19 specifically is primarily spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, and these droplets can land on surfaces and objects around the person. If someone then touches these surfaces or objects and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes, they can become infected with the virus. While shaking hands may not be the most common way that COVID-19 is transmitted, it is still a potential risk, especially if one of the individuals is unknowingly carrying the virus.
In addition to the transmission of infectious diseases, shaking hands can also contribute to the spread of germs and…
