[freedumb2003]

One theory: The developed world has become so antiseptic that kids don't build up natural immunity

Aint that the truth! You see all these commercials for anti-germ cleaning sprays and the like -- it is a wonder we of the revious genration survived.

Heck, let the kids eat dirt, make mudpies, eat from the dog's dish -- all that stuff. The human body is made to be very adaptable -- if it has a chance to generate the antibodies it needs.

Today's parents are too overprotective. They are alsoa big reason that antibiotics will be almost of no value in a generation.

[luckystarmom]

You obviously have never been close to losing your children. My twin daughters almost died of a common cold virus (RSV) when they were 6 weeks old.

A lot of people thought I was crazy after they came home because we did not go out much, and I made everyone wash their hands a lot.

I got mad at our best friends because they would bring their kids around our kids when their kids had runny noses. The mom would say "Oh they have a little cold." Sure enough, my girls would get sick, and I'd be battling asthma for nights. I'd have to give my daughter breathing treatments every 2 hours for days in a row.

Now, my daughters are almost 7. They still get asthma, but not as badly. They are healthy and great. I know they'll grow into great adults.

[DumpsterDiver]

You see all these commercials for anti-germ cleaning sprays and the like -- it is a wonder we of the revious genration survived.

IF I live to a ripe old age, I'm going to attribute it to drinking sewer water (Los Angeles tap water), smoking, and never washing my hands before preparing food. That oughta gross 'em out! :-)

[Ditter]

Allergies & cleanliness or a lack of it, have no connection. Neither is there any connection between allergies & germs. A person is born with genes that causes allergies. It has nothing to do with eating mudpies or using antibiotic soap.