Swine Flu In France – French Locals Hesitant Over Cheek-To-Cheek Kiss.

The swine flu in france has effected the country in much the same was as every other country on our small little planet.  The swine flu has taken a terrible toll on many people around the globe and it has the potential to cause even more trouble as we flow into the end of the year.  Recently, however, there has been a story coming from France that may make you laugh.

The tradition of the la bise, or cheek to cheek kiss, is a friendly way of saying hello.  Those foreign to the concept have been know to act foolishly or even violently to the custom.  This commonly used greeting is now being treated as a path to bad health.

There are some schools and companies telling their people to avoid using the la bise as it could lead to lethal pandemic.  The Health Ministry has gone as far as to suggest the same.  France has claimed a total of 10 deaths they could attribute to the swine flu, with 35,00 cases overall.  It is understandable that the country would want to take every step possible to prevent any more illness or loss of life.

It is sad, though.  The tradition is one that many people remember the country for.  Having the la bise go from a friendly hello to the kiss of death would be unfortunate, but it would be nice if there was a way around the situation.  As potentially dangerous as it is, I will stick with the occasional high five, followed by rigorous hand washing.