Yep, I never liked hand shaking because of that. Where I am currently (PT) and where I lived mostly before (ES) kissing is almost mandatory, even often with people you meet for the first time and will never meet again. I think it is the same in Italy & Greece.

I think the future might be better with a polite nod instead. But that is because I do not like this contact with just anyone (I did a lot of business travel and it is scary to see how few people wash their hands after doing whatever on the toilet). Obviously with friends/people you know well things are different; I am referring to contact with just anyone you meet.

Is there any research about infectious diseases and greetings? Especially handshaking, hugging (another one I could do without unless close friends) and kissing.