Gordon Clay here. Before H1N1 came along, over 200,000 people were hospitalised because of seasonal flu and it killed 36,000 people a year. Because of this, shaking hands has temporarily been suspended, especially in Region 2, which includes Washington and Oregon. This is because we have the second highest rate of H1N1 cases this flu season. In comparison, Region 3, which is comprised of California, Nevada and Arizona, ranks 7th out of 10 regions. We all know, or should know, that coughing into the crook of your arm, not touching your nose, mouth or eyes and washing hands often are preventative measures. But, sadly, most people don't wash their hands after going to the bathroom in a public restroom much less at home. Because of this, some people are finding alternative ways to connect with others. Instead of a hug or hand shake, the preferred flu-season greeting is the "Elbow Bump". This involves touching your elbow with another's elbow. Not only is this a safer way to connect, it can be more fun, too. USA Today reports that some even employe the "Heinie bump" as demonstrated by Kathie Lee Gifford on the Today show. You can picture that one on the own.

Other things to consider: when eating out, take along a small bottle of antibacterial gell. At parties, resist the urge to double dip. At the grocery store, swab the cart handle with a sanitized wipe. Wear gloves to pick out produce and wash it immediately when you get home (including eggs). At church, take communion on the hand.

 Untill Brookings gets all the H1N1 vaccine it needs, and everyone who wants a shot gets one, bump on.