The quote reflects a sense of isolation and the limitations of social interaction. It suggests that the speaker and their group could not actively engage with others, yet they still absorbed information passively, much like how germs are caught. This forms a metaphor for how knowledge can spread unintentionally, highlighting the contrast between direct communication and observational learning.

In the context of Margaret Atwood's "The Year of the Flood," this highlights themes of detachment and the ways in which individuals navigate a world filled with barriers. Learning from a distance can be both enlightening and restrictive, illustrating how relationships and understanding are formed through indirect experiences.