Ladies it looks like we might have to follow the lead of our guys and start the fist-bumping fireworks.

A new study about the dangers of a formal handshake reveals that while a polite formal gesture, it's still riddled with germs.

The study compared the traditional handshake to the high-five and the popular fist bump.

The study used a glove that was dipped over and over again into a mild form of E coli bacteria, so as not to pose a serious threat to the scientist.

The bacteria were allowed to dry before the dirty glove shook hands, gave high fives, and fist bumped a clean glove. It was the clean glove that was then tested for levels of bacteria.

Results showed that handshakes could be a great transmitter of germs. How much so? The study revealed that a basic handshake transmitted about 10 times more bacteria than the fist bumps, and almost twice as much more than the high-fives!

So the advice to always give a good firm handshake actually garners the most germs! Say it ain't so! The better alternative? Experts who conducted the study say the fist bump is the optimal choice.

"A short, sweet fist bump will transmit the least bacteria," and even a high-five is better than a traditional shake, David Whitworth, a senior lecturer in biochemistry at Aberystwyth University-Ceredigion in the United Kingdom explained to USA Today.

Of course this news doesn't mean we can really avoid giving handshakes. "You can't really imagine a world where people don't greet each other physically," Whitworth explained. "It seems to be a basic human need."

Our personal advice: keep with the firm handshake, but carry a little bit of antibacterial hand gel and lotion with you. Best way to stay polite and still germ free!