germs effects on long term health

S

sexanoe

0
just curious about this...
would someone with a significantly smaller exposure to germs than the average person have any longterm health benefits?
 
Actually, paradoxically it may be the reverse. Exposure to bacterium and virus's overtime builds and strengthens the immune system.

Over the next hour or so youll be breathing in 10 000 differing bacteria and even more virus's (from the air genome project). So you not as significantly "unexposed".

I think more significantly is the exposure, or non exposure to bacteria/viruses which are chronic, which may impact on your health in the long term. Tuberculosis for example can stay dorment for years and can become symptomatic anytime, which is lethally dangerous especially when your old and fighting other diseases because your immune system will be comprimised.
 
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Im long past the point in caring about germs. I was brought up eating mud, swimming in rivers down from livestock crossings etc. I rarely got sick and still dont.
 
eating mud..mm delicious ;)

Although a bit of hygeine is always welcomed, you dont wont to shake hands with a dirty snobby hand eh ;) or toe nails over the floorboards, more a matter of etiquette i think. ha.
 
When I was taking immunology as an undergrad, my professor had a saying that "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". That is so true. Being exposed to a multitude of nonfatal germs, which the vast majority are, increases the number of antibodies in your system so that when you are exposed to that one particular nasty fellow, your body will have the defense mechanism against it.

So, to answer your question, matt182 is 100% correct in saying that being exposed to fewer germs is actually bad for you.
 
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