The sterile gloves were tested to see how many of the bacteria had gone across.

“Nearly twice as many bacteria were transferred during a handshake compared with a high five, whereas the fist bump consistently gave the lowest transmission,” the researchers wrote.

The firmer and longer the handshake, the more germs came across.

It makes sense – many studies have shown that a damp palm hosts a diverse population of bacteria and fungi. People are covered with bacteria, but the hands are notoriously good carriers.