This holiday season kissing may be safer than shaking hands.

Due to H1N1, kissing under the mistletoe came close to becoming another holiday activity removed from the things-to-do list. However, according to a report from the Associated Press, exchanging kisses on the cheek is more hygienic than shaking hands.

Debrett’s — an etiquette publication — had said pecks on the cheek are considered safe, while kissing on the lips and touching hands fall under the H1N1 not-to-do list.

However, Tom Freeman, chair and professor at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, disagreed.

“Kissing on the cheek is a higher risk situation than shaking hands,” he said. “During the holiday season there’s a tendency to be in closer contact with individuals and any viral illness can spread more quickly.”

“In a meeting we were discussing the French habit of kissing on the cheek and many said they still do it,” Freeman noted.

He added people shouldn’t stop living their lives because of the H1N1 scare.

—Yalda Paydar