If there were a campaign to choose a national anthem for mothers, MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” would have to be on the ballot. Doesn’t it seem like you’re always telling your kids to take their hands off this or that and not put their fingers in their mouth (or nose)? Of course, it’s all intended for their own good. But what’s the truth about what is really “catchy”—and what’s not?
Pinkeye: Contagious. If, that is, it’s caused by a bacterial or viral infection rather than an allergy or eye irritant. But since that’s impossible to judge by looking at someone, it’s best to avoid contact with that person.
Flu: Contagious. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, they release virus molecules into the air that you can inhale. Likewise, if that person has touched an object you handle, the virus can be transferred that way. If you’ve already gotten a flu vaccine, great. But remember that it’s only 70 to 90% effective in healthy people under age 65, so you’re still vulnerable. To further boost immunity, wash hands, get plenty of sleep, exercise, eat well, and avoid crowds. Oh, and those disposable surgical masks you see people wearing? Virus molecules generally pass right through them.
Poison ivy: Not contagious. The rash and itching result from direct contact with an oily plant resin called urushiol. Blister fluid doesn’t contain any of this, so you can’t catch it from someone else. However, if a pet, piece of clothing, or even a tool or toy has brushed against poison ivy, the oil may linger on it. Some moms have been infected while sorting kids’ laundry.
Psoriasis: Not contagious. Despite how contagious it looks, this scaly skin disorder is actually an immune-system disease that can’t be transferred by contact.
MRSA: Contagious. Think of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a staph infection on steroids—it’s resistant to most antibiotics and can be deadly if it enters the bloodstream. We hear it talked about as popping up mostly in hospitals and locker rooms, but look a little closer to home. When researchers tested cell phones, 20% came up positive for MRSA. (When was the last time you cleaned your cell phone?) Sanitize your cell and your kids’ once a week with disinfecting wipes.
Emotions: Contagious. No doubt you recall when one of your childhood friends started giggling in class and pretty soon you were practically wetting your pants. Scientists have since proven that emotions ranging from sadness to joy can be transferred through expression, body language, and tone of voice. Even movies or songs can transfer feelings. So pick your friends (and entertainment) wisely.
Obesity: Possibly contagious. There’s some scientific evidence that common viruses can infect our cells and cause them to either store more fat or transform into fat cells. In lab experiments, animals have packed on pounds when exposed to something called adenovirus-36. In fact, obese people are three times more likely to harbor it than thin people. More research is needed, but in the meantime keep in mind that overweight can definitely be “socially” contagious. Researchers say a person’s chances of becoming obese increase by 57% if they have a friend who becomes obese, 40% if they have a sibling who becomes obese, and 37% if a spouse becomes obese—even if that loved one lives hundreds of miles away. The good news: It also works the opposite way. When someone loses weight, her friends and family tend to lose weight, too. Now that’s something worth spreading!
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Comments from Members
Wow! so germs pass right through those surgical masks? Not good! I also never knew that poison ivey was not contagious! Well...it 'might be'? So I'm guessing it's potentially contagious if the oils are still there. I had that once as a kid and I hope I never get it again!!!MRSA....sounds scary!On the weight thing..I'm naturally a thin person I guess..120 pounds, but I've noticed that whenever major stress is going on in my life like a death in the family, being there for a family member trying to keep custody of a little girl who's mom just passed; things like that seem to cause me to put on weight., usually not over 10 pounds but still....I wish that didn't happen! Stress is such a horrible thing!
