I’d just say....I don’t want to give YOU anything....I’ve been exposed to the flu, a cold, blah, blah, blah....course I once said I “was sick” to a woman who wanted to shake my hand...she said...”SO AM I!” That was after the service where the greeter at my Mother’s church at Christmas Eve service was coughing and slobbering over everyone as they came in the door...my elderly Mom and her husband got REALLY sick. A local contractor we happened to talk with a couple months ago told us he tells his church members he does NOT shake hands during winter.
“I’d just say....I don’t want to give YOU anything....”
LOL! We’ve milked that one for about as long as we can. Have even considered foregoing services and watching Charles Stanley at home on TV.
That’s an excellent idea! If it doesn’t always work, small devices the size of a fat pen can be gotten that contain alcohol gel and will fit into even a little handbag. I hate getting sick over the holidays. I suspect that I’m not alone. :)