Swine flu fears force officials to scrap graduation handshakes

Amid a global swine flu outbreak, IU is eliminating hand-shaking from graduation ceremonies and will have a teach-in about the flu.

In an e-mail message to the IU community May 1, President Michael McRobbie said the University will eliminate hand-shaking at all campuses when graduating students walk across the stage.

An explanation will be included during the commencement ceremony.

The announcement comes after State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe advised officials to practice common-sense hygiene, such as frequently washing hands and not greeting people with handshakes.

From 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday in the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, IU will sponsor a teach-in about Influenza A H1N1 Flu, which is the official name for the swine flu, according to an IU press release.

The event will discuss swine flu globally and locally. Speakers will include people from the HPER, the IU Health Center and the Monroe County Health Department.

Twenty-one states have reported cases of swine flu, and officials said it continues to spread as easily as the winter flu.

– The Associated Press contributed to this report.