If you're wary about shaking your doctor's hand, consider these alternatives:

Fist bump — also known as the pound, this knuckle-to-knuckle tap went mainstream when President Obama used it on the 2008 campaign trail.

Head nod — tilting your noggin to acknowledge another person is the ultimate hands-free greeting.

Namaste gesture — fold palms together in front of chest and bow head slightly. This greeting of mutual respect comes from the Sanskrit language and literally means "I bow to you."

Hand wave — a friendly-from-afar way of saying hello.

Salaam gesture — place right hand over heart. The salaam, or peace, greeting is used among some Muslims to say hello or bid farewell.

Bow — widely used in East Asia in personal and professional settings. Germ­aphobe Donald Trump is a big fan of bowing.

Tip of the hat — this gesture was commonly done by gentlemen passing ladies on the street, and like other forms of chivalry, it's all but dead now.

Allie Shah