Everything You Need To Know About Germs

Everything You Need
To Know About

GERMS

By Kimberly Towne

What are Germs?

Germs are microscopic creatures that can make you sick. They can get into your immune system by touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Words to Know:
microscopic: very small, too small to see
immune system: the body's main defense against sickness
infected: invaded by germs

What do Germs do?

Once germs infect your body, they stay alive by eating your nutrients and using your energy. By doing so, they are able to multiply, which uses more of your resources. They also produce toxins that make you cough, sniffle, and run a fever.

Words to Know:
nutrients: the parts of food that help us grow
multiply: when the amount of something gets bigger
toxins: a poison made by a living thing

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Types of Germs: Viruses

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Viruses are made of DNA surrounded by a sort of shell. Medicine won't get rid of the virus, but it may help with the symptoms. The best cure for a viral infection is time and rest.

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Common viral infections include:
~Influenza (The flu)
~Common cold
~Measles
~Mumps

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FUN FACT!
Scientists don't really know if viruses are living or non-living. They have DNA like all living things, but they can't multiply on their own- they need a host.

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Types of Germs: Bacteria

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Bacteria come in many shapes including spheres, rods, and spirals. If you get a bacterial infection, your doctor usually gives you an antibiotic, which kills the bacteria that are making you sick.

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Common bacterial infections include:
~Food Poisoning
~Pneumonia
~Tetanus
~Strep Throat

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FUN FACT!
Most bacteria are actually good for us. For example, bacteria in yogurt helps to balance our digestive system.

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Germ Prevention

The best way to prevent the spread of germs is by washing your hands often, and especially after touching objects that might be unsanitary. The most effective way to wash your hands is to use soap and warm water. Make sure you wash for at least 20 seconds to kill all of the germs that might be on your hands.

Click below to listen to a song about washing your hands!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaePayB_pC4

What to do if you are sick

1. Stay home from school and rest. You don't want to spread your germs to the rest of your classmates.

2. Go to the doctor. You can get medicine that will hopefully help you feel better.

3. Make sure to cover your face with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

4. Use sanitizing wipes on anything you might have spread germs onto, like your desk or computer keyboards.

Sources

https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/germs.html

https://www.ducksters.com/science/biology/viruses.php

https://www.ducksters.com/science/bacteria.php

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