'Australian flu' leads Northern Ireland churches to ban handshakes

The outbreak of "Australian flu" has become so severe in the UK, some of Northern Ireland's churches have banned handshakes during services.

The H3N2 virus, more commonly being referred to as "Aussie flu", has spread across the UK and Ireland over the festive period forcing the Catholic diocese of Down and Connor to introduce new sanitary measures, The Guardian reported.

At least 170,000 cases of the virus were confirmed in 2017 for Australia, more than double the amount of the previous year. There were 72 flu-related deaths over the winter, according to health officials.

The country is currently experiencing high numbers of patient admitted to hospital suffering from respiratory illnesses directly linked to the flu virus and the church has moved to minimise the risk of contracting the bug.

“The customary sign of peace handshake exchanged during mass is suspended until the risk of infection is significantly reduced," a statement from the office of Bishop Noel Treanor said.

“All parishioners are reminded of good hygiene practice as recommended by the public health authority."

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Further provisions will also be made for ministers to use alcohol gel or wash their hands in warm soapy water before the distribution of holy communion.

The precautionary measure has been reintroduced at parishes following the swine flu epidemic in 2009.