Germ Confusion Runs Rampant
If you believe everything you hear, you'd think the world is a cesspool of germs that threaten the safety of our children. Or that our overly sanitized kids should be exposed to viruses and bacteria to strengthen their immune systems.
No wonder parents are confused.
Public-health warnings about superbugs, killer colds and pandemic flu are enough to keep everybody on edge, says Harley Rotbart of Children's Hospital Colorado of Denver, a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases. At the same time, proponents of the "hygiene hypothesis" suggest that keeping children away from germs prevents healthy immune system development and may contribute to rising rates of asthma, allergies and autoimmune disorders.
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