Zachary Quinto as Commander Spock makes the Vulcan salute in the 2013 movie "Star Trek: Into Darkness." CBS/Getty Images

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill must now deal not only with the threat of coronavirus to the American public, but also the risks they themselves face from the virus as it continues to spread.

The disease was a topic of discussion during a closed-door meeting of the House Democratic caucus this morning with members receiving advice on how to interact with others as the virus spreads, a person familiar with the meeting told CNN.

The attending physician asked members to stop touching others during personal greetings, suggesting that members instead use the "live long and prosper sign," a light-hearted reference to a salute and greeting accompanied by a hand gesture in the television series "Star Trek."

Uncertainty and concern over potential exposure to the virus has heightened in the past 24 hours as several lawmakers have now opted to self-quarantine or take other steps to isolate themselves after coming into contact with infected individuals.

Coronavirus inspires people to get creative with greetings: