Can Germs Keep Us Healthy?

Washington, D.C.: Antibacterial soaps play a role in everyday hygiene routines of millions of people. They are used safely and effectively and are regulated by government agencies around the world. I understand that there are different points of view in the medical and academic fields about these products but the fact is that evidence of their effectiveness in non-health care settings exists. What do you think of that information?
Jessica Snyder Sachs: The only studies that I've seen that show benefits in CONSUMER products are studies on triclosan in toothpaste, which may help people suffering from gingivitis. Studies show that antibacterial soaps—as used by consumers—don't prevent the spread of infections better than does washing with ordinary soap and water. On the other hand, studies show that antibacterial cleansers can help prevent infections as used in hospitals as surgical scrubs.
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Bend, OR: What do you think is the best way to address the problem of antibiotic resistance in our country? What steps could we take to tackle such a large issue?
Jessica Snyder Sachs: It looks like we need to tackle this on several fronts. We have to use existing antibiotics more wisely, develop new ones, and more importantly for long-term success, develop other ways to deal with infectious disease. Antibiotics are short terms solutions as they always breed resistance. There are other fascinating ways to disarm, co-opt, and otherwise co-exist with bacteria. But these innovative approaches remain in the very early stages of development. More research!

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Seattle, WA: What was the most interesting thing you came across while writing you book?
Jessica Snyder Sachs: Hmmm. For some reason I absolutely love that there there are these little "meet and greet" tissues on the other side of our small intestines. Bacteria flowing through our body get pulled into these tissues—called Peyer's patches—and get checked out by immune cells there. What's interesting is that the bacteria are "presumed" friendly unless there's some damage going on. And the more "presumed friendly" bacteria that our body encounters, the more calming effect this has on our immune system.

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San Antonio, TX: Do you think Americans will ever warm up to the idea of germs as healthy?
Jessica Snyder Sachs: Good question. I hope so. We're sure downing "probiotic" yogurt and popping probiotic supplements as never before. Will we start seeing past the advertisements that tell us we have to douse ourselves and our homes with antibacterial soaps and cleaners? Don't know. Guess it's time for companies to develop and advertise products that infuse your body and your home with "good germs." Maybe that will win us over.