This article makes me a little angry.  Mostly because it gets me to thinking about two topics that would seem to have blindingly obvious solutions.

First, is germophobia.  The human body is pretty well designed to handle bugs.  In fact, we're supremely equipped to fight off most infections, it's actually a big part of why our species exists at all.

You see, we have several defense mechanisms against infection.  We have preventative measure like the mucous membranes, sneezing, coughing, and runny eyes.  Our bodies cough and snort and honk when something foreign enters our bodies (like ground pepper, or  pet dander).  Over time our biology figures out that these things are not harmful and ignores them.  Sometimes we don't figure that out and end up with an allergy. 

There is a genetic influence to having allergies (I have them myself, along with eczema), but genetics doesn't explain the increase in reported allergies.  If I could find them, I would link some studies I read a few years ago that suggested environmental sterility was a cause of allergic reactions later in life.  You shouldn't doubt my veracity though, since I've admitted I'm willing to kiss Pete Doherty.  I clearly have no concept of falsification.

Anywho, besides our prevention mechanisms, we have cells and proteins floating around in our bodies that protect us against bacteria and viruses.  Until fairly recent recently, we've maintained a pretty good balance between fighting off  innocuous bugs and suffering from the bad ones.  Today, medical science has given us the tools we need to fight off the bad ones as well.

But we've abused medical science in this regard, especially in the last three decades.  I'm think just old enough to remember how this situation has changed.  I recall a very specific push towards cleanliness and hygiene and public health throughout and since my childhood.

While a few of these ideas make good sense, most of them are just flat out stupid.  If you have sniffles, get a box of tissues and a bottle of bourbon.  It will pass.  Should you have a hairy purple infection growing on your foot?  See a doctor.  How hard is that?  You do not need to sterilize every surface in your house, car, restaurant, grocery store, day care center, school, or church.

If fact (if you promise not to tell), one of my guilty pleasures is encouraging youngsters to eat dirt and stick things up their nose.  I find it to be amusing and a community service.

Superbugs are more dangerous than their normal cousins and they are becoming more prevalent.  Be responsible and rational.  I know we're talking about your health and your childrens' health, but please.  I don't want to die of meningitis because your brat had a bit of a cough.  Your grandma's technique of soap and water is good enough.  You will not die and neither will your kid.

Hospitals?  Stop it with the wipes.  Use a bucket of soapy water.

more...

Posted by: roggowj at 03:22 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 977 words, total size 7 kb.