During the COVID-19 pandemic we’re constantly being reminded to practise good hygiene by frequently washing our hands and regularly cleaning the spaces where we live and work.These practices aim to remove or kill the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and thereby minimise our risk of infection.
But there have been some suggestions using hand sanitiser often could weaken our immune system. It can reduce our body’s exposure to germs and with it the chance to “train” our immune defences.
The ‘Hygiene Theory’
For healthy immune function, it’s important we’re exposed to a diverse range of bugs in the environment, known as microbes. Most of these don’t make us sick. The belief that a high level of cleaning and personal hygiene weakens our immune system. It is a common interpretation of what’s called the “hygiene hypothesis”.
The hygiene hypothesis is a theory that suggests a young child’s environment can be “too clean”, and they won’t be exposed to enough of these microbes to effectively stimulate their immune system as it develops.
The argument is that this results in increased allergies, asthma and certain autoimmune disorders. But scientists have refuted this hypothesis in recent years, as research has shown there are multiple other reasons for the increased incidence of these conditions. Importantly, being too dirty doesn’t help our immune system either. It generally makes inflammation worse.
What can weaken our immune system?
Some aspects of our modern lifestyle can weaken our immune system. These include: Microbes are everywhere: in the air, on food, and in plants, animals, soil and water. They can be found on just about every surface, including inside and outside your body.
The hygiene measures recommended during COVID-19 will help curb the spread of the coronavirus and greatly reduce our risk of infection – but won’t eliminate all microbes from our lives. Keep it clean.
Cleaning refers to the removal of microbes, dirt and impurities from surfaces. We have been advised to clean our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If this is not possible, use hand sanitiser with at least 60 percent ethanol or 70 percent isopropanol.
But the extra hygiene measures during COVID-19 won’t weaken our immune systems. If you’re worried about your immune system, don’t stop washing your hands or keeping your house clean. Importantly, follow a healthy balanced diet, do regular exercise and look after your mental health.
