Germ

Germ is a term often used to describe both bacteria and viruses. However, not all germs are harmful. Some germs are essential for our health and well-being.

Definition

A germ is a microscopic organism, especially one that causes disease. Germs can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa. They are found everywhere - in air, soil, and water, on food, plants, and animals, and on just about every other surface, including our skin and mucous membranes. Most germs won't harm you. Your immune system protects you against infectious agents. However, some germs are formidable adversaries because they're constantly mutating to breach your immune system's defenses. Knowing how germs work can increase your chances of avoiding infection.

Types of Germs

There are four main types of germs - bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled organisms usually found all over the inside and outside of our bodies, except in the blood and spinal fluid. Many bacteria are not harmful. In fact, some bacteria are actually beneficial. However, disease-causing bacteria trigger illnesses, such as strep throat and some pneumonia.

Viruses

Viruses need to be inside living cells to grow and reproduce. Most viruses can't survive very long if they're not inside a living thing like a plant, animal, or person. Whatever a virus lives in is called its host. When viruses get inside people's bodies, they can spread and make people sick. Viruses cause chickenpox, measles, flu, and many other diseases.

Fungi

Fungi are multi-celled, plant-like organisms. Unlike other plants, fungi cannot make their own food from soil, water, and air. Instead, fungi get their nutrition from plants, people, and animals. They love to live in damp, warm places, and many fungi are not dangerous in healthy people. An example of something caused by fungi is athlete's foot.

Protozoa

Protozoa are one-cell organisms that love moisture and often spread diseases through water. Some protozoa cause intestinal infections that lead to diarrhea, nausea, and belly pain.

Prevention

Preventing the spread of germs is the best way to protect yourself and others from diseases. This can be achieved by washing hands regularly, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, practicing good hygiene, and keeping your vaccinations up-to-date.

See Also

• Infection
• Disease
• Immune System

Germ Resources
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