A 38-year-old female asked:
Will growing up in an overly hygienic/sterile environment hinder the development of an infant's immunity system?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Michael Zacharisenanswered
Allergy and Immunology 35 years experience
Hygiene Hypothesis: This hypothesis suggests that infants not exposed to microbes early on will not "shift" their immune system from th2 (allergy prone) to th1 (fight infections), thus increasing risk for asthma and allergic disorders. These infants will however have a fully functional immune system to fight infections as they grow. It will not suppress their immune function.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated May 23, 2014
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