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Yes, it is. Even more than in German. Just reply with the same expression ("how are you") and never ever answer the question itself.
Are you sure you're not confusing the phrase with "How do you do"?. As far as I know, answering "how are you" with the exact same expression is not costumary. Instead, just say "fine" or "good" or something similar. Of course you can still answer in return after that, e.g.:
"How are you?"
"I'm fine. How are you?"

"How do you do" though is never to be answered with anything else than "how do you do". It's also mostly used in the business sector, when you meet someone for the first time.