Just imagine how many fewer people would fall ill each year with the flu if we didn’t shake hands as our default greeting?
I think the future might be better with a polite nod instead. But that is because I do not like this contact with just anyone (I did a lot of business travel and it is scary to see how few people wash their hands after doing whatever on the toilet). Obviously with friends/people you know well things are different; I am referring to contact with just anyone you meet.
Is there any research about infectious diseases and greetings? Especially handshaking, hugging (another one I could do without unless close friends) and kissing.
Unfortunately, there's still a large segment of dirty-handed people who think you can judge a person based on their handshake.
Bro hug with a friend I haven't seen in a while? Okay. Sweaty hand contact with a stranger? Never.
Sounds like you're unfamiliar with the practice of agreeing to a deal by both parties spitting into their hand and then clasping hands?
There's also the idea of making a pledge by both parties cutting their hands and then clasping hands, mixing blood with each other.