1. Safer Communion Cups It is impossible to full protect people from illness during communion when the church uses shared cups. Some may see the tradition of a shared cup as too important to change, and the choice to drink from a communal cup is one that the leaders of the church and the members should make. However, the use of individual cups can protect those that worry about becoming ill. The flu can become deadly for anyone but is even more dangerous for people over the age of 65, younger than age five, and who have a weak immune system. A simple cold can threaten the health of someone with a respiratory illness. Trays of disposable cups or small, reusable cups offer a safe option to those most at risk from the complications of an illness.