Dr. Jack Gilbert, associate director of the Institute for Genomic and Systems Biology at Argonne National Laboratory, believes that hospitals should have more microbial diversity. In other words, they need more dirty, according to an article on the CleanLink website.
Dr. Gilbert and science writer Ed Yong told New York Post reporters that being exposed to more bacteria and microbes can actually improve health.
In fact, removing the rich microbial ecosystem from hospitals could be attributed to the increase in drug-resistant superbugs and infection-causing viruses.
According to Yong, the vast majority of bacteria that exists inside humans is harmless and, in fact, act as protectors to boost immune systems. They also help develop internal organs, they replace dying and damaged cells, and they help bodies absorb and store nutrients and fats.
Read the article.
A 'Superbug' Is on the Rise in Hospitals
The Next Generation of Security Tech in Healthcare Facilities
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of St. Petersburg Opens
Why More Facilities are Adding Gender Neutral Restrooms
Massachusetts Hospital Cyberattack Reflects Growing Vulnerability in Healthcare Systems