Why do Americans hug so much?

The thing that annoys me when watching TV is to see Americans hugging each other so much. I abhor hugging, except a woman I like. Hugging as well as shaking hands involves the risk of catching some bug from the other. The fellow might even have a foul body odor or be a faggot, who knows. I think Americans would be well advised to adopt the custom prevailing in Buddhist and Hindu societies, namely to simply clasp your hands in front of your face and give a nod.