[Nfbf-l] Unexpected Sources of Infection

[Alan Dicey]

Unexpected Sources of Infection
During the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century a 
typhoid epidemic was traced to Mary Mallon, a professional cook. "Typhoid 
Mary" infected many people with the bacteria that caused typhoid fever - a 
debilitating, often fatal infection. Mary never showed any symptoms of 
infection herself. However, many of the people who contacted her became 
seriously ill.

Today we face another source of infection from bacteria and viruses: our 
children and grandchildren. Our little Typhoid Mary's and Johnny's bring us 
the gift of exposure to potential illness from all of their friends at 
school and in daycare. How does this actually happen and what can we do to 
protect ourselves as well as our young ones?
"Germ-o-phobia"
There is a medical condition called mysophobia which is the fear of germs.
People with this disorder take extreme precautions to avoid touching 
anything that might be considered "dirty" or contaminated with germs. They 
have a relentless hand-washing procedure that rivals the sterile-field 
procedure used by surgeons.
Normally, germs and viruses are harmless and may even be beneficial in 
educating our immune systems. Some bacteria are even good for you, such as 
the probiotic, acidophilus. This is because "good" bacteria keep "bad" 
bacteria away and may even become part of a healthy immune system. However, 
children that grow up without exposure to normal bacteria called "soil-based 
organisms" or SBOs, have fewer defensive bacteria. That means pathogenic 
bacteria have a better chance to breed in them, potentially causing illness 
and spreading infection.
This effect is multiplied when children are kept in close quarters with 
other children and their germs. Further, their immature immune systems may 
allow them to become breeding grounds of infection without producing 
symptoms themselves. Limiting physical contact and washing our hands with 
soap and hot water becomes a rational defense strategy instead of a phobia.
The best defense...
There is an old saying: The best defense is a good offense. Being proactive 
in protecting ourselves and our family simply makes sense. How can we build 
a good defense against infection without becoming isolated? More important, 
how can we build healthy immunity and resistance in our children and 
grandchildren? Once again we can turn to Typhoid Mary for clues.
First, isolating people with a fever is very important. Usually an infection 
is contagious when a person has a fever. When the fever breaks, 
transmissibility of the infection rapidly declines. (This is not true with 
H1N1 swine flu, which may continue to be contagious for up to 12 days.)
Stay away from sick people if at all possible.
Frequently wash your hands with hot soapy water and dry them thoroughly to 
help avoid viruses.
Insulating yourself and educating your immune system with probiotics and 
Healthy Aging nutrients as well as emotional nurturing is critically 
important. After all, it is the health of your immune system that determines 
whether or not you will get sick. And the severity of the illness is 
dictated by the state of balance in immunity: symptoms become more severe as 
the immune system becomes more imbalanced.
Finally, become a source of influence in advocating for healthier children.
Both children and adults have fewer and less severe illnesses when they take 
care of themselves. For example, getting enough rest and eating properly 
will reduce the frequency, severity and duration of infections. Growing a 
garden may provide your loved ones with healthier food and also expose the 
gardeners to healthy probiotic SBOs at the same time.
Just imagine: Time in the garden may help provide your family with better 
food, stronger social connections and even immune protection from all those 
little Typhoid Mary's and Johnny's. What a great way to defend yourself from 
this unexpected source of infection!
Take Control of Your Health
Wash your hands with hot soapy water often Dry your hands thoroughly
Isolate sick people for three days after a fever (12 days after H1N1 Swine
Flu)Sleep between 7o and 9 hours nightly
Eat 5 to 9 servings of fruit and vegetables every day
Educate your immune system with probiotics and Healthy Aging nutrients