when we were kids we didn't have to run to the doctor for every bout of diarrhea....or sniffles.....now, we're all running to the doctor.....
however, if there is more viral illness around,maybe its because we eat out a lot more... it might be because we eat unhealthy food in unhealthy environs with God only knows fixing the food....among many people of questionable cleanliness....
what about stress?....kids from kindergarten on up are in too many activities and they are not getting their play time nor their sleep as they should....same can be said of adults.....
washing hands:...I am beginning to believe that our over use of disinfectant soaps instead of good old Ivory or such is actually weaking our resistance and making the viruses a little stronger...don't ask me about the pathophysiology of my opinion because I don't have a clue, its just a guess......
THe only thing is the use of antibacterial soaps would have no impact on viruses (other than whatever impact normal soap and somewhat hot water might.) So, I'd agree maybe on the development of stronger strains of bacteria but I think viruses are sometimes just THAT strong.
Whatever hit WA state is like the Katrina of flus (well, aside from actually lethal variants.)
While I personally believe these things ARE on the increase and not just being reported more, you raise numerous excellent points and I believe all are relevant to the increases.
For one, people do eat out way more than ever before. When I was growing up, eating in a restaurant was a huge treat and rarely done. In fact, I remember going to "Manners Big Boy" as a child and that was a big deal. A lot of women don't cook or don't know how any more (you don't want to get me started on my church potluck; ugh - if you want good food at a church potluck, you have to go to the Southern Baptist Church and I'm not SB).
Also, as others said on here, the standards aren't being enforced in food preparation. Many are uneducated as to the hazards of not washing after visiting the bathroom and so on.
The disinfectant soaps, we have been told, are not good.
Finally, the thing you mention about the children happens to be one of my biggest pet peeves. I simply do not understand why these young parents INSIST on dragging their small children everywere and anywhere. I see them in stores at 9 and 10 pm on school nights. Where is their common sense? People are nuts!