Steerpike

Isn't exposure to bugs critical in the development of the immune system?

I was reading the other day that this whole 'epidemic' of allergies such as peanut allergies is a 'modern phenomenon' may be caused by not exposing kids to (eg) peanuts at a very early age. In earlier times, 'PBJ' (peanut butter and jelly) sandwiches were a staple food for young kids. Just a thought ...

scrubbedexpat099

I seem to recollect there are other issues, all the chemicals etc now in the environment but I accept your point about germaphobes.

My assumption is that more of those with weak immune systems would have died at an early age so perhaps we are now building it into the populace.

Pulaski

While there are a few children who have a very dangerous allergy to peanut protein, in fact about 90% of the allergy skin test for peanut proteins, the most common way for allergies to he tested, are false positives. Even some of the blood tests, which is the next step up from skin tests are false positives. We had some concerns about Little Miss P and had her tested for nut allergies. After six years of carrying an epipen around, and apparently declining peanut allergy per the skin test, she was finally confirmed to not be allergic to peanuts.

scrubbedexpat099

I do not recollect Peanut allergies etc as a kid, perhaps they did not know? Certainly not something tested.

Pulaski

Yeah, you said that before, but as we all know, some kids, a small number just dropped dead for no known reason, so making your stupid assertion that it is a non issue, is grossly offensive to those with a relative who actually does have a dangerous and potentially life-threatening allergy, and you trivializing the issue doesn't make it any less dangerous.

OldJuddian

Peanut allergies was a thing 40 years ago although less talked about than now. I was one of the lucky ones that had a severe reaction, but gradual enough onset to not be fatal (so far).

scrubbedexpat099

I was not trivialising it just said I did not recollect it being mentioned, and surmised it was because they did not know.

scrubbedexpat099

I looked it up and found some articles attempting to explain why there was a sudden and significant increase, seems 1990 ish was when it exploded so well after my school time.

Not sure if there is a clear reason.

kimilseung

Arrested for talking loudly after being threatened with a shotgun
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/loc...ClGH3bY-dyMG6I

Hotscot

That is sickening to be honest...

zzrmark

And still only one officer was suspended!

Lion in Winter

And the charges against the woman don't appear to have been dropped?

zzrmark

Funnily enough, they were dropped today, a day after her civil rights lawyer gave a public statement...

spouse of scouse

That was horrible to watch. Why didn't the police officers just provide a bit of reassurance and support to the two women while taking their complaint? What sort of recruitment and training processes are in place that allow police officers who are involved in such a benign situation to panic and use entirely unwarranted force and violence against someone reporting a crime?

Lion in Winter

It's America. Aggression from police is common and they don't like it if you won't let yourself be bullied by them.