With fears running high about the swine and regular seasonal flus, some of the state's lawmakers are giving second thoughts to all that touching during the special session — at least without a little protection.

But by and large, few say they've stopped shaking hands when meeting people at the Capitol.

"I can't imagine not extending the courtesy of a handshake ... because I was worried about germs, or the flu," said Sen. Mark Boitano, R-Albuquerque.

"My reaction is, boost the immune system," he said. "Eat healthy, exercise, get more sleep."

House Minority Leader Tom Taylor, R-Farmington, said he hasn't seen any change in greeting etiquette and hasn't reduced the number of people with whom he shakes hands.

"The flu has always been present in this confined and unhealthy environment," he said, "and the H1N1 is no different from the rest of miserable little pestilences."

Taylor said he does see an abundance of antibacterial gels, which have added "to the mix of strange aromas in the Capitol."

Hand sanitizers have been placed on every lawmaker's desk, said Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque.

And she said she's seen etiquette change a little around the Roundhouse.

"I think there might be more high fives, or low fives depending on the mood, than handshakes," she said.

The dreary business of cutting the state's budget by $650 million, coupled with the chances of getting sick just by being in the Roundhouse, has brought out a sense of humor in some.

"I just lick the railing to immunize myself — better than a flu shot," quipped Sen. Tim Keller, D-Albuquerque, referring to the stairway handrails that many avoid touching during the session.

As for the politician with the world handshaking record — Gov. Bill Richardson — he's not doing anything different amid the flu season, his office reports.

Contact Kate Nash at 986-3036 or knash@sfnewmexican.com. Read her blog at www.greenchilechatter.com.