Difference in Hygiene: hypersensitive or under-sanitary?, by Carly Meador

In coming to Sevilla, I have observed major differences in the concept of hygiene as compared to the United States, particularly in schools. In the US, hygiene is a major concern particularly in public places in order to prevent illness. In schools, there are signs posted all over the restrooms that advise kids to wash their hands and take sanitary precautions in order to avoid catching the flu, or a common cold. In Sevilla, schools don’t provide soap, or toilet paper in the public restrooms. I have observed this in the University but also in the elementary school that I volunteered in for younger kids. Young kids playing in the park are allowed to use the street as the toilet because this is deemed as more hygienic for the children than using a public restroom might be. It would be an interesting study to compare the amount of children who get the flu in the United States versus a city like Sevilla, to analyze which method is better for our health. This is particularly interesting to me, because I have gotten very sick the past few days due to differences in hygiene and diet, but its possible that I am hypersensitive.

            Is it possible, that by exposing kids at all ages to more bacteria and “germs”, that kids build up stronger immune systems and are less likely to get sick during flu season than more sheltered children? Or do children who take better care of their hygiene (ex washing hands more frequently), generally get sick less than the children who don’t practice such rigorous hygiene routines? So the question remains, are American students “sheltered” and “hypersensitive”? Have we been cultured to need our “personal bubble” in order to maintain our health? Or is this sheltering good for our the maintenance of our health? Is there a “right” way, Or have we just been conditioned?