DEAR ABBY: How do you politely refuse to hug or shake someone's hand because of a medical issue that lowers your resistance to infection?
I had a stem cell transplant 18 months ago because of a recurrence of Hodgkin's lymphoma. I'm now on a drug that keeps my white blood count low. If I get a fever, I could end up in the hospital. I have been in remission for over a year and look healthy.
I don't really care to get into a long conversation about my experience, but I don't want to put myself at risk. How should I handle this without appearing rude? -- HOLDING BACK IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR HOLDING: Not extending your hand should send the message. However, if you are pressed, tell a short version of the truth, which would be, "I can't do that because I have a medical condition that prevents close contact."