Watching a stranger at a party take a chip, dip it, take a bite, and then go in for another dip has become a cultural taboo thanks to the term double dipping become popularized and dramatized from the sitcom "Seinfeld." Although some people admit to double-dipping, plenty more fear not just the saliva but also the viruses and bacteria that go with it. As unappealing and gross as it may seem, is it really possible to get sick thanks to a clueless party goer?

Expert Philip Tierono Jr, PhD, professor of microbiology and pathology at NYU School of Medicine tells Prevention Magazine that although there is a small possibility that you get sick if you enjoy a dip after someone else has double dipped, the chance is very unlikely and not a certainty. The person would have to have a live and active virus.

When the person re-dips the chip, they add a microscopic amount of “cooties” into the bowl. You’d have to scoop up their cooties and introduce them into your mouth for them to get sick. In the event that the cooties come into contact with your mouth, then the bugs that live in your saliva will immediately attack the invaders because people’s bacteria are all different. And if they have a virus, it’s very unlikely that you’ll get it because unlike bacteria, which are fairly hearty, viruses don’t last for long outside of the body. The exception is the norovirus, which can survive for days outside the body.

Overall, the amount of germs transferred via double dipping is around the same as when you share a drink with someone. Unless they are sick, you’ll probably be fine. But just in case you may want to avoid communal dining because you can’t always tell visually when someone is sick and contagious. And although the dip may be contaminated, you might not get sick from it. Or you might.

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