Conclusion

Diseases that plagued the world until recent times have been eradicated or remain under control except in underprivileged areas. Modern equivalents such as AIDS, cancer, BSE and resistant bacteria feature prominently in the news. Treatment and vaccines have yet to be found, while the 21st century brings new forms of therapy. Scientific progress gives us hope that big discoveries will soon be made for treating pathological conditions that affect large numbers of human beings. Research and time has enabled man to find answers to hygiene problems, but hygiene cannot solve everything, for germs have their own agenda. However, hygiene does help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect the health of the population at large. It is therefore essential that we make it a part of our daily lives.