British athletes have been warned against shaking hands with rivals and dignitaries at the London Olympics, BBC Sport reported.
The British Olympic Association (BOA) is concerned about illness damaging the host nation's chances of success.
Asked if handshakes should be avoided, BOA chief medical officer Ian McCurdie said: "I think, within reason, yes.
"The greatest threat to performance is illness and possibly injury. We are talking about minimising risk of illness. It is all about hand hygiene."
Around 10,000 sportsmen and women will take part in the Games, with British athletes set to share rooms, while eating with competitors from more than 200 other competing nations.
"Obviously there are concerns about keeping in a tip top physical condition but [the BOA advice] does seem a bit extreme," said Liz Wyse, an etiquette adviser from publisher Debrett's.
"If somebody extends their hand in a friendly greeting and you don't give your hand back because of hygiene concerns that could look very rude.
"It is a bit of a sad thing if people are worried about shaking hands in case it spreads disease."
