Abstract
In this commentary we argue that the hygiene hypothesis may apply to COVID-19 susceptibility and also that residence in low hygienic conditions acts to train innate immune defenses to minimize the severity of infection. We advocate that approaches, which elevate innate immune functions, should be used to minimize the consequences of COVID-19 infection at least until effective vaccines and antiviral therapies are developed.
Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.
Publication types
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Editorial
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
MeSH terms
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Age Factors
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Aged
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Allergens / immunology
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Betacoronavirus / immunology
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Betacoronavirus / pathogenicity*
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COVID-19
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COVID-19 Vaccines
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Child
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Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology*
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Coronavirus Infections / ethnology
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Coronavirus Infections / immunology
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Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control
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Developed Countries / economics
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Developing Countries / economics
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Disease Susceptibility
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Environmental Exposure / analysis
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Humans
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Hygiene / economics*
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Hygiene Hypothesis*
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Life Style / ethnology*
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Pandemics* / prevention & control
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Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology*
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Pneumonia, Viral / ethnology
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Pneumonia, Viral / immunology
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Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control
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SARS-CoV-2
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Severity of Illness Index
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Viral Vaccines / biosynthesis
Substances
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Allergens
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COVID-19 Vaccines
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Viral Vaccines