You may think germs are something you don't have to worry
about - only the people selling toilet cleaners on TV are concerned
with germs. But germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease -
and they're so small that they can creep into your system
without you noticing. You even need a microscope to see them. To
stay healthy, it helps to give some thought to germs.
Germs Basics
The term germs is really just a generic word for four different
types of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and
protozoa.
Bacteria
(pronounced: bak-
tir
-ee-uh) are tiny, single-celled organisms that are found throughout
nature, including in the bodies of human beings. A certain number
of bacteria are good for our bodies - they help keep the digestive
system in working order and keep harmful bacteria from moving in.
Some bacteria are even used to produce medicines and vaccines. But
bacteria can cause trouble, too - ever had a cavity, urinary tract
infection, or strep throat? These infections are all caused by
bacteria.
Viruses
(pronounced:
vye
-rus-iz) are even smaller than bacteria and can't live on their
own. In order to survive, grow, and reproduce, they need to be
inside other living organisms. Most viruses can only live for a
very short time outside other living cells. For example, they can
stay on surfaces like a countertop or toilet seat in infected
bodily fluids for a short period of time, but they quickly die
there unless a live host comes along. But some viruses, such as the
kind that cause hepatitis (an infection of the liver), can survive
on surfaces for a week or longer and still be able to cause
infections.
Once they've moved into your body, viruses spread easily and
can make you quite sick. Viruses are responsible for not-so-serious
diseases like colds as well as extremely serious diseases like
smallpox.
Fungi
(pronounced:
fun
-jye) are multicelled, plant-like organisms that usually aren't
dangerous in a healthy person. Fungi can't produce their own
food from soil, water, and air, so instead, they get nutrition from
plants, food, and animals in damp, warm environments. Two common
fungal infections include athlete's foot and yeast infections.
People who have weakened immune systems (from diseases like AIDS or
cancer) may develop more serious fungal infections.
Protozoa
(pronounced: pro-toe-
zo
-uh) are one-celled organisms like bacteria. Protozoa love
moisture, so intestinal infections and other diseases they cause
are often spread through contaminated water.
Once organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa
invade your body, they get ready to stay for a while. These germs
draw all their energy from you! They may damage or destroy your own
healthy cells. As they use up your nutrients and energy, most will
produce waste products, known as
toxins
.
Some toxins cause the annoying symptoms of common colds or
flu-like infections, such as sniffles, sneezing, coughing, and
diarrhea. But other toxins can cause high fever, increased heart
rate, and even life-threatening illness. If you're not feeling
well and visit your doctor, he or she may examine your blood and
other fluids under a microscope or perform cultures to determine
which germs (if any) are making you sick.
How Can I Protect Myself From Germs?
The best way to prevent the infections that germs cause is by
protecting yourself. Because most germs are spread through the air
in sneezes or coughs or through bodily fluids like sweat, saliva,
semen, vaginal fluid, or blood, your best bet is to limit contact
with those substances.
Washing your hands
often is absolutely the best way to stop germs from getting into
your body. When should you wash? After using the bathroom, after
blowing your nose or coughing, after touching any pets or animals,
after gardening, or before and after visiting a sick relative or
friend. And of course you should wash your hands before eating or
cooking. There's a right way to wash hands, too - you need to
soap up well using warm water and plenty of soap, then rub your
hands vigorously together for 15 seconds (away from the water).
Rinse your hands and finish by drying them thoroughly on a clean
towel.
If you spend any time in the kitchen, you'll have many
opportunities to get rid of germs. Be sure to use
proper food-handling techniques
, like using separate cutting boards, utensils, and towels for
preparing uncooked meat and poultry.
Another way to fight infections from germs is to make sure you
have the right immunizations, especially if you'll be traveling
to countries outside the United States. Other yearly immunizations,
such as the flu vaccine, may be a particularly good idea if you
have a weakened immune system or other chronic medical
problems.
If you are sexually active, you should use condoms to prevent
infection because viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa can be
spread via oral, anal, or vaginal contact. Also, all teens should
be vaccinated against meningococcal disease, HPV, and varicella
(chickenpox), and hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is often transmitted
through sexual activity but people can also get it from
contaminated needles - such as those used for tattooing, body
piercing, or drugs.
With a little prevention, you can keep harmful germs out of your
way!
Reviewed by:
Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: November 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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