There is little doubt that inadequate hygiene practices increase the risk of infection. Infectious diseases prior to the introduction of antibiotics were the single highest cause of mortality in the general population. With the introduction of antibiotics, improvements in sanitation, and the promotion of effective hygiene practices in the home, these fatal infectious diseases have all but been eradicated. In contrast, however, diseases of the immune system, including asthma and atopy, 
Read more “The many factors influencing patient hygiene practices”