Tartu Science Night
As part of Science Night, we’ve prepared a series of questions to better explain common health and immunology myths. Scientific integrity is at the heart of our work, so we want to be transparent about the sources we used. Our goal is to ensure that the information we present is based on reliable research.
Below are the questions along with their sources and explanations:
1. Should children grow up in the cleanest environment possible?
Answer choices: Yes / No
While hygiene is important for preventing infections, growing up in an excessively clean environment may not be ideal for immune system development. The concept is known as the hygiene hypothesis. As an example of this we have chosen an article published in Allergy. According to which, early-life exposure to diverse environmental factors like spending time with animals and being outdoors can change how the immune system reacts later in life with a protective effect from developing allergies.
Source:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/all.15832
2. Do cold air and drafts weaken the body and increase the risk of illness?
Answer choices: Yes / No
Many people believe that exposure to cold weather increases the risk of illness, but temperature itself does not cause infections. However, as discussed in a study published in International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, cold and especially dry environment, can dry nasal passages and without the protective mucus layer people tend to be more susceptible to infections from pathogens such as viruses.
Source:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1438463923002043?via%3Dihub
3. For daily hand hygiene, which is better?
Washing hands with soap
Or
Using hand sanitizer
According to the CDC (Centre for Disease Control, USA), washing hands with soap and water is the most effective way to remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses, especially after using the restroom or before eating. Proper handwashing technique—scrubbing all surfaces for at least 20 seconds—is essential for effectiveness. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are a good alternative when soap and water are unavailable.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html
4. Does taking a daily multivitamin benefit the immune system?
Answer choices: Yes / No
Multivitamins are widely marketed with claims of boosting health and immunity when taken daily. However, in a large-scale study published in JAMA Network journal of obesity, nutrition and exercise, researchers found no significant difference in mortality between people who took multivitamins daily and people who didn’t take them, suggesting that multivitamins do not provide measurable health benefits in individuals without nutrient deficiencies. Instead, a balanced diet should generally provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals for healthy individuals.
Source: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2820369
For further reading, check out this article from Novaator: “Pharmacologist: Multivitamins Can Be Left on the Shelf”
https://novaator.err.ee/1609112921/farmakoloog-multivitamiinid-voib-apteegis-rahuga-riiulile-jatta
5. Which is better for the immune system?
Walking 30 minutes to work and back every day for six months
Or
Intensive marathon training for six months
Regular, moderate exercise is widely recognized for its immune-boosting effects. In contrast, prolonged intense training—such as marathon preparation—can temporarily weaken immune function due to increased physical stress. A study published in Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews examined athletes and found that excessive endurance training can lead to higher susceptibility to infections, while moderate exercise supports long-term immune health.
Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11332-023-01110-7#Sec4
6. Is natural infection preferable to vaccination?
Answer choices: Yes / No
While natural infection does generate immunity, it comes with significant risks, including severe illness, long-term complications, and death. Vaccination offers a safer and controlled way to develop immunity without exposing the body to the full dangers of the disease. Extensive public health data and public health agencies like the CDC emphasize that vaccines effectively protect both individuals and communities while minimizing health risks.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/basics/explaining-how-vaccines-work.html#cdc_generic_section_3-many-vaccines-require-more-than-one-dose
