Firm handshakes Transmits most Germs than Fist-bump, High-fives

When we meet with anyone the first thing we do is ‘shake hands’. Handshake is a social skill which is considered to be a mark of good manners.

But a new study has found that shaking hands may not be a good idea for your health.

According to the researchers, this is the best way to contract germs and related diseases. The researchers rank handshake to the top in comparison to couple of other casual alternatives.

Senior Biochemistry lecturer David Whitworth, Aberystwyth University-Ceredigion in the UK, says, “A short, sweet fist bump will transmit the least bacteria. Even a high-five is better than a traditional shake.”

The researchers included three greetings- handshake, fist-bump, high-five- for testing during the experiment.

For the study, one of the researchers dipped a gloved hand into a container having strains of E. coli bacteria. The scientist wearing the bacteria containing glove then shook hands, fist-bumped and finally high-fived the other scientist wearing clean gloves. The researchers then tested the receiving gloves to know how much contamination is done during all the three levels of contact.

Findings of the study

There was about 10 times more E. coli bacteria transmission through the handshakes in comparison to fist bumps. However, the handsake-led bacteria transmission was about two times more than the high fives.

The researchers stressed that the firmest and longest handshakes transmitted the most germs.

The findings of the study were published in the American Journal of Infection Control on Monday.

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Richard Carlisle

Richard is a product of the 90s and a serious fan of the Star Wars series. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology; therefore, he has a great understanding of the relationship between physical activity and mental health. Although he has a full- time job in a clinic, he enjoys covering news related to health and the United States.