BLOOMINGTON -- Should the handshake be replaced with a fist bump or wave? Should doors be bumped open with our hips or feet?

The increase in cases of novel H1N1 influenza in Central Illinois has some people questioning everything from whether they should take communion at church to whether they should wipe off the cart handle at the supermarket.

"People don't need to change their social norms" in light of H1N1, said Walt Howe, director of the McLean County Health Department. "We don't want to create a phobia environment."

Instead, health professionals urge people to use common sense.

H1N1 is sickening people all over, although only a few have required hospitalization in McLean County, health officials said.

"Some people are sitting back and waiting (to see whether you extend your hand) and if you do it, they will," observed Bill Barnes, 61, of Hudson.

"I don't have any problem shaking hands," said Barnes, who uses hand sanitizer.

Leanne Hempen, a Bloomington mother of three children ages 8 months to 4 years, has her children wash their hands until they finish singing the ABC song. She carries hand sanitizer in her purse, diaper bag and both cars.

As for activities, her family has prioritized. They have suspended going to their fitness center and to indoor children's playgrounds until H1N1 season is over. But her family hasn't changed what they do at church and they continue to shake hands.

"Church is important. And people are important. I can't be so scared that I keep myself and my kids away from people," Hempen said.

Cara Wilson, 23, of Bloomington, carries hand sanitizer in her purse, washes her hands frequently and even bumped fists instead of shaking hands with a friend recently. She avoids touching doorknobs and tries to open doors with her feet or hips.

"It's not paranoia," she said. "It's just caution. I don't want to get sick."

FYI

• If you're comfortable shaking hands, continue to do so. But if you're sick or if you detect that the other person is sick, say "Excuse me, but I feel a cold coming on. Do you mind if we don't shake hands?" Instead, wave or bump elbows. Bumping fists isn't much better than shaking hands.

• When opening doors, avoid using your hands. Instead, use your forearm, your foot or even your hips.

• If you take communion at church, use your judgment. Consider whether to drink from a common cup. If you are a communion minister, use hand sanitizer before communion.

• If you and your children enjoy indoor playgrounds, fitness centers, museums and buffets, use your judgment. Clean facilities may be OK but make sure you wash your hands immediately.

• Use disinfectant wipes on cart handles in supermarkets and in your car, especially if you share rides.

• Get used to people wearing masks. Don't stare. If you're sick but need to be out, go to your pharmacy, buy a mask and put it on.

SOURCES: Walt Howe and Cathy Coverston Anderson, McLean County Health Department; Pam Bierbaum, infection preventionist, BroMenn Regional Medical Center.