Germs

I've often said over the years that "I don't believe in germs." I say this because I have a(n untested) theory that my immune system is strong due to daily interaction with the world around me. I suppose I'm also too lazy to properly protect myself from all the things I'm told to protect myself. I also believe that children who are "too protected" from the elements don't build up any tolerance to otherwise minor irritants.

Jump to a couple weeks ago when I met my first micro-biologist. I told him he would probably refute my disbelief in germs. Although his first instinct was to correct me... (He spends every day looking at bacteria through a microscope.)... he actually ended up confirming it. He said that the word "germ" is thrown around by people who are more likely talking about bacteria, fungi, etc., but there's really no such thing as a "germ." 

See... I didn't need a degree in micro-biology to know that!  ;)