Virologist Claims Hugging is Safer Than Shaking Hands

47% of Americans say they haven’t hugged someone other than family or roommates in at least three months! But here’s some good news for people who like to embrace. A full-body squeeze is safer than shaking hands when it comes to avoiding sickness. at least that’s what a virologist in Belgium says. Don’t go on a hugging spree just yet though, distancing is still recommended.