It's been thought for some time that early day care exposes kids to more germs and illnesses at an early age and, as a result, protects them from asthma and allergies later on.

Scientists call it the 'hygiene hypothesis' but a new study finds that's not true and early infections have no effect on asthma and allergy rates by the age of 8.

The study is said to be considered a landmark investigation and provides evidence that enrollment in daycare provides no protection against asthma.