OTTAWA — An election during the fall could boost the spread of the H1N1 virus — unless politicians abandon time-honoured campaign habits such as handshakes, hugs and large crowds.

“They (politicians) want to go out and see lots of people; we (public health experts) don’t want them to go out and see lots of people,”

said Dr. Gerald Evans, president of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada.

So far, it’s thought the pandemic spreads more easily than the regular flu, Evans said.

Doctors tell people to cough into their sleeves, wash hands frequently, and stay home if sick. The Public Health Agency of Canada hasn’t suggested limiting public gatherings but does urge pregnant women to avoid large crowds.

Liberal MPs, poised to force a nationwide election in weeks, are divided about how to campaign around H1N1.

Grit health critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett won’t shake hands but will use the election as a “teachable moment” to push a message about how individuals can limit the spread of illness. She also said she’d campaign more online if necessary.

“Do we have to think about how campaigns would change?” added fellow Liberal Kirsty Duncan, an influenza expert. “You know, no handshakes. Do we look at webcast debates? We will do whatever it takes.”

But Liberal colleague, Dr. Keith Martin, said he doesn’t plan to change his behaviour during a campaign. He will tell his volunteers to get vaccinated and encourage hand-washing.

christina.spencer@sunmedia.ca