Can you die from cross contamination?

If you look at this in a practical example, it might be easier to understand. If you went to a resturant, you would not want to see a server scratching his hair/beard while standing over your food. When your waitress brings your food, you would not want her to put her shoes on your table. Every object picks up germs--how long each germ lives on an object depends on what kind of germ. In addition, ALL persons have bacteria and yeast on our skin. Normally, this "normal flora" does not harm the person with that flora, but my flora and your flora might be different. You could carry yeast, for example, and pass it to me and I might get sick from it. This is why handwashing is an absolute rule. A second rule has to do with location of objects--- if an object sits on the floor, it should not be put on a counter or table. Shoes should stay on the floor because we pick up all kinds of germs outside, just walking. Women should not put purses on floors in restrooms. Toothbrushes shouldn't be kept near toilets. Food preparation should start with sanitized countertops.

If a person is already sick, or their immune system is low, cross contamination can create illnesses or even death.