Are the dangers of germs overrated? - General Health Message Board

Obsolete · 07-13-2008, 10:14 PM

I recently started living with my girlfriend and her mother. I've always been laid back when it comes to washing my hands, stuff like that. They, on the other hand, are fairly obsessed with germs. I only occasionally wash my hands, once or twice a day max, not counting before cooking, and once they found out about this they went psycho on me. I tried to defend my point, stating that humanity has survived more than 20,000 years without the most base knowledge of germs and for almost all of the history of mankind-not counting the millions of other creatures on the planet, sanitation has not existed really. Despite this, people have lived fairly decent lives. While I understand that true-people did live to be much younger, they also lived during times of war, famine, constant hardships and when you had a 1/3 chance of seeing age 14. I tried to explain this to them, but they refuse to accept anything I say. They keep on saying highly exaggerated things like "he doesn't believe in germs" when I simply don't believe its nearly as bad as everybody says. I don't believe in the need to wash my hands every hour, or other constant sanitary precautions they take. Despite this, I decided I should at least give it a chance and get some info on the actual threat of germs. I acknowledge that many bugs and sicknesses are spread through lack of sanitation, and I do believe in keeping things clean, just not hospital clean.

So-could I get some information on this? Preferably with unbiased (no media-run or financially driven) sources. I admit I could be wrong, I just don't believe I am.

Lindaru · 07-13-2008, 10:34 PM

I am 51 years old and grew up before Clorox Wipes were ever even thought of. Except for some minor health problems (none of them due to germs), I turned out just fine.

About the only thing I do differently now than I did growing up is use anti-bacterial soap after handling something with the possibility of salmonella or E. Coli. I handle shopping carts and door knobs without fear. It is my take that the immune system needs to come into contact with certain things in order to maintain its strength, but that is just my opinion.

Lindaru

pinkpixies · 07-13-2008, 10:57 PM

At least wash your hands after going potty. ewwww. LOL

Fennicy · 07-14-2008, 01:40 AM

Hmm well while washing your hands at the appropriate moments are appreciated to everyone around you, you still don't wanna overdo it. I know a couple people who are obsessed with keeping their hands clean that they actually start getting sick more often than people who aren't obsessed with keeping their hands clean. What can happen is that if you keep the germs away so often your body can't get used to them and build up immunities which makes it easier for you to get sick. I believe that's how it works anyways.

I believe it's best to find a middle ground.

healthseeker · 07-14-2008, 02:43 AM

Well, you said that you wash your hands a couple of times a day...but clearly you have to pee/poo more than that, right? Not washing after that can get people sick. Look it up.