# "We don't subscribe to the germ theory." **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 25, 2003, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512 "2003-10-25T17:12:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Krisfer\_the\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Krisfer\_the\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Krisfer_the_Cat)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/21 "2003-10-25T20:50:49Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Cerri \* > \*\*It is however, impossible for your children to go to public school (and I would bet, most private schools) if they’ve never had a vaccination. Public schools will not accept children who are not up-todate on their vaccinations, period, AFAIK. I’m not sure if it’s illegal, per se, but I do know no vaccination, no school. \*\* In Utah, the kids can go to school but if there is an outbreak they will be sent home and kept home until the disease has run its course. I can’t speak for the private schools here though. > [@](#): > > “We don’t subscribe to the germ theory.” Is that a magazine? Can I read it at the doctor’s office? I told one doctor I only came to the office to get caught up on the mindless gossip about celebrities.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/22 "2003-10-25T20:57:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Krisfer the Cat \* > \*\*Is that a magazine? Can I read it at the doctor’s office? I told one doctor I only came to the office to get caught up on the mindless gossip about celebrities.😃 \*\* Yes, it is a magazine, but I swear I only read it for the articles. ---
**Author:** ![light\_strand](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a6a055/32.png) [@light\_strand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/light_strand)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/23 "2003-10-25T20:58:57Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Qadgop the Mercotan \* > … > But if your chiropracter claims to treat other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or even the common cold, then it would be my recommendation that you avoid them like the plague. > … Avoid them only if you subscribe to germ theory. …the plague… ## get it? As a Microbiologist I was unaware that fact bacteria can be pathogentic was a “theory”. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/24 "2003-10-25T21:02:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Spavined Gelding \* > \*\*Germ theory is, after all, just a theory. That’s why its called a theory. Other wise it would be the Law of Germs. Right? \*\* I know that you’re just making a joke, but for the record, your statement is incorrect. Theories _never_ turn into laws. Theories just become more well-established (or are disproved). Laws summarize observations. Theories seek to explain laws. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/25 "2003-10-25T21:17:01Z")
I work in the most medically advanced country in the world, in one of the most medically advanced cities in that country, at one of the best hospitals in that city. It is a teaching hospital for a world renowned medical school. We were voted 9th best hospital in the country and 3rd best for cardiac surgery. We have one of the best records in the world for low patient mortality (less than half of a percent in our department, and these are patients who are sometimes working on their 5th heart attacks). We are damn good. So why are the hospital administrators offering courses in chakra cleansing and theraputic touch and qi gong? Could it possibly be that they need a daily dose of What the Fuck? ---
**Author:** ![Ca3799](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/26 "2003-10-25T21:28:15Z")
We deliver between 650 and 800 babies a month.That’s alot o’ babies. It’s pretty much all we do and we do it durn well Recently I overheard a tech who was wheeling a new couplet out to the car tell the new mom “Now don’t let any woman who is menstruating hold the baby because it’ll give the baby colic for about 6 months.” The tech also told the mom not to let cold air blow onto the baby’s face for the same reason. Yikes.Stuff like that could wipe out all the good we do over a couple of days. Nothing like a wacky parting shot to change your mind about your stay here. I stopped the tech and ratted her out to her boss, too. Now I’m the ‘mean one’. ---
**Author:** ![hebesphenomegacorona](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b9e5f3/32.png) [@hebesphenomegacorona](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hebesphenomegacorona)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/27 "2003-10-25T21:28:53Z")
Because their minds are wracked by subluxations! ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/28 "2003-10-25T21:32:48Z")
> [@](#): > > And he looks at me and says, as if I am the stupidest person in the world, “We don’t subscribe to the germ theory.” Oh excuse me for my ignorance. I’ll just stop covering my mouth since that’s a pain anyway and interupts my job duties. Hell, just come over here and let me cough in your face, share my coffee cup with you, and my half eaten apple, and hell, bring your kids on to work and let me play with them too! Your exchange with your co-workers reminded me of this scene from [this movie.](http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0114746/) > [@](#): > > JEFFREY: You know what “crazy” is? “Crazy” is “majority rules”. Take germs for example. > > COLE:Germs?! > > ``` > JEFFREY: In the 18th century there was no such thing! Nobody'd ever imagined such a thing -- no sane person anyway. Along comes this doctor...Semmelweiss, I think. He tries to convince people... other doctors mostly...that there are these teeny tiny invisible "bad things" called germs that get into your body and make you...sick! He's trying to get doctors to wash their hands. What is this guy...crazy? Teeny tiny invisible whaddayou call 'em?..."germs"! So cut to the 20th century! Last week in fact, right before I got dragged into this hellhole. I order a burger in this fast food joint. The waiter drops it on the floor. He picks it up, wipes it off, hands it to me...like itwas all okay. > > ``` > > “What about the germs?” I say. He goes, “I don’t believe in germs. Germs are just a plot they made up so they can sell you disinfectants and soap!” Now, he’s crazy, right? Hey, you believe in germs, don’t you? ---
**Author:** ![Krisfer\_the\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Krisfer\_the\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Krisfer_the_Cat)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/29 "2003-10-25T21:36:31Z")
new couplet? I didnt know couplets went to the hospital! 😃 Just teasin… its the sort of typo I’d make! I cant believe that menstruating woman shit is STILL being played! ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/30 "2003-10-25T22:55:49Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Qadgop the Mercotan \* > \*\*But if your chiropracter claims to treat other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or even the common cold, then it would be my recommendation that you avoid them like the plague. \*\* Plague? What plague? We don’t subscribe to the germ theory. ---
**Author:** ![Laughing\_Lagomorph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Laughing\_Lagomorph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laughing_Lagomorph)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/31 "2003-10-25T22:59:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tdn \* > \*\* > … > > Could it possibly be that they need a daily dose of What the Fuck? \*\* Ah, yes. That’s one of those therapeutic herbs, isn’t it? It is supposed to cure cluelessness. ---
**Author:** ![Hyperelastic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Hyperelastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hyperelastic)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/32 "2003-10-25T23:22:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tdn \* > \*\*I work in the most medically advanced country in the world, in one of the most medically advanced cities in that country, at one of the best hospitals in that city. It is a teaching hospital for a world renowned medical school. We were voted 9th best hospital in the country and 3rd best for cardiac surgery. We have one of the best records in the world for low patient mortality (less than half of a percent in our department, and these are patients who are sometimes working on their 5th heart attacks). > > We are damn good. > > So why are the hospital administrators offering courses in chakra cleansing and theraputic touch and qi gong? > > Could it possibly be that they need a daily dose of What the Fuck? \*\* Dude, I work for the world’s foremost aerospace consulting firm, composed of mostly PhD scientists and engineers, and when I politely questioned the existence of “Qi” at a recent lunchtime seminar sponsored by the Human Resources department, I was not only brushed off but glared at. Later, I offered to find someone with an opposing view to give the next seminar (like, for instance, the next competent physician I could grab off the street), but the HR people never responded. We are swimming in a sea of ignorance and superstition. ---
**Author:** ![Gadfly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/aeb1de/32.png) [@Gadfly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gadfly)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/33 "2003-10-25T23:33:34Z")
The whole Qi obsession in North America seems to be the latest step of the invisible Asian Invasion. Not that there’s anything wrong with the Asian Invasion, (some of my best friends are Asian) but it also brings along odd superstition and gives it acceptance. ---
**Author:** ![Lola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ed655f/32.png) [@Lola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lola)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2003, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/34 "2003-10-26T02:09:30Z")
Damn, I LIVE in Asia and I’ve never heard of “Qi”. And I’ve just realised that I don’t want to hear about it, so please ignore this post. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2003, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/35 "2003-10-26T02:13:14Z")
Another pseudo-science thing that bugs me is that some serious minded people actually believe in this “feng shui” crap. It seems as if there are hundreds of books out about it. I mean, come on, designing by invisible forces? Ugh. ---
**Author:** ![KellyM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/57b2e6/32.png) [@KellyM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyM)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2003, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/36 "2003-10-26T03:25:47Z")
Now you know why chiropractors are a favorite recruiting target of Scientologists. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2003, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/37 "2003-10-26T04:51:03Z")
There does seem to be a persistent strain of looniness in the chiropractic community. For more, I offer you Martha Collins, who says on [this site](http://www.whale.to/a/chiro.htm): _“Adjustments to newborns contain only ounces of force. But that force is directed into the spine to facilitate health and remove subluxations. We adjust babies as soon after birth as possible, to alleviate subluxations caused by in-utero constraint and the journey down through the birth canal. There has been a lot in the media lately about children not needing Chiropractic care, but there is no better way to get a head start in life.”_ Why stop with newborns? Maybe we can apply that _Fantastic Journey_ technology to miniaturize chiropractors and inject them into the uterus, so that the poor fetus doesn’t have to tolerate painful subluxations when Mom bends over. I can understand not “subscribing” to the germ theory. In fact, I have rejected gravity, which is probably why there are dust bunnies on my ceiling. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2003, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/38 "2003-10-26T04:57:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jackmannii \* > \*\*I can understand not “subscribing” to the germ theory. In fact, I have rejected gravity, which is probably why there are dust bunnies on my ceiling. \*\* Nah, you’re just a lousy housekeeper. 😃 I’m one to talk…I’ve named my dustbunnies… ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2003, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/39 "2003-10-26T05:50:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Baker \* > \*\*Another pseudo-science thing that bugs me is that some serious minded people actually believe in this “feng shui” crap. It seems as if there are hundreds of books out about it. I mean, come on, designing by invisible forces? Ugh. \*\* Being a feng shui expert is the greatest job in the entire world! I mean you could tell some one that they should put half of their sofa out the window, and no one could say that you are wrong. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2003, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512/40 "2003-10-26T06:07:19Z")
And I thought the doctor who confused Vicodin and generic hydrocodone was bad…geesh! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-dont-subscribe-to-the-germ-theory/209512.md?page=3)