Common use of antibacterial products in developed countries could cause more allergies and less resistance to bacteria

WAUSAU - It's something many studies and experts call the "hygiene hypothesis".

Our immune system is meant to protect us from bacteria, and other and things that make us sick, but if you're not commonly exposed bacteria, the immune system is more likely to target harmless things like dust and pollen.

"The hygiene hypothesis suggests that developed countries have done a lot to reduce exposure to infectious agents and this has resulted in our immune systems not having to deal with those infectious agents," said Wausau Allergy & Immunology Specialist Dr. Mark Huftel.

Full story: WJFW

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