French flu fears put kissing ritual in danger

Former hostage Ingrid Betancourt is kissed on the cheek by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in July 2008 after her rescue.

A health ministry hotline is advising students and employees to avoid the social ritual out of fear it could spread swine flu. Picture: Getty Images

THE ubiquitous French greeting of a kiss, “la bise”, is in danger thanks to swine flu fears.