Epidemiology-and-Germ-Theory-Filter: are bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. that cause common conditions (such as warts, conjunctivitis, and ringworm, for instance) pretty much everywhere (already)? [more inside]
posted by Busoni on Nov 7, 2009 - 6 answers

Is "old" water safe to drink? [more inside]
posted by kidsleepy on Apr 22, 2009 - 30 answers

I do not currently have a cold. My girlfriend currently has a cold. What sexual activities can we do that will minimize my chances of getting a cold? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 13, 2009 - 36 answers

Is there any utility to this quasi-germophobic tic I've developed? [more inside]
posted by The Straightener on Dec 31, 2008 - 16 answers

This question is for chronic hand-washers that use soap. Why is it not alright to wash your hands with just water before a meal, but it's perfectly kosher to just rinse a piece of fruit off under the faucet before consumption? [more inside]
posted by MaryDellamorte on Jun 24, 2008 - 29 answers

I fear that my OCD will interfere with my sex life. [more inside]
posted by sixcolors on Jun 18, 2008 - 18 answers

How do I get my boyfriend to wash his hands without nagging him? [more inside]
posted by phunniemee on Jun 1, 2008 - 55 answers

Looking for statistics on kids and germs. I'd love to see some from a recent study on workplace absenteeism -- i.e., people with kids in daycare (or school) have X% absences more or less from work than people without kids. Even daycare- or school-worker health stats would be helpful. Specific studies, anyone? [more inside]
posted by mdiskin on Dec 3, 2006 - 11 answers

Plastic germ action figures that were sold in test-tubes: does anyone remember these toys? [more inside]
posted by Powerful Religious Baby on Oct 19, 2006 - 7 answers

I have been having an ongoing argument with some friends about alcohol-based hand sanitizers. [more inside]
posted by SSinVan on Aug 4, 2006 - 29 answers

How bad for your health are toilet seats? [more inside]
posted by twine42 on Aug 3, 2006 - 23 answers

Who gets to share food and drinks with your child - from the same cup or spoon? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 28, 2006 - 33 answers

Is vinegar really effective as a household cleaner? [more inside]
posted by catfood on Apr 12, 2006 - 33 answers

Why don't our tootbrushes make us ill? They sit out all day with our mouth germs and lord knows what else lingering there. Does toothpaste have anything to do with this?
posted by schoolgirl report on Jul 17, 2005 - 28 answers

I've had the flu since Wednesday. I haven't left my apartment since Friday. A friend just told me that I won't get better unless I air out my apartment and take a walk outside. Is that true? Can germs live in your bedsheets?

I'd readily go outside, but there's two feet of snow and it's fourteen degrees out.
posted by jsavimbi on Jan 23, 2005 - 15 answers

I'm battling my third head cold this year, which is really rare for me. Usually I have one cold per year, maybe two. This is also the first full year I've had the pleasure of working in a cube farm. I'm wondering, is there a correlation between working in cubicles and the spread of diseases? Does anyone have any information to back up this theory?
posted by knave on Dec 6, 2004 - 15 answers

Many times in my various workplaces, I've noticed people "nesting" in the ladies restroom. By this I mean, using one of those papery toilet seat covers before sitting down. Most of these incidents involve a restroom that is spotless, and sometimes it was only used by a few people. I'm of the mind that using these things is if anything, less sanitary, as it increases the chance of (*ahem*) fluids getting on the seat. I can't find any info either way - your thoughts? [more inside]
posted by agregoli on Nov 2, 2004 - 12 answers

Does putting TP or one of those safetyguards on the toilet seat actually do anything? Or is this just a salve for our collective germophobia?
posted by PrinceValium on Sep 27, 2004 - 38 answers

Can banknotes spread disease and germs? [inside] [more inside]
posted by feelinglistless on Jul 27, 2004 - 25 answers