What are germs?
Germs are microorganisms. This means that they can be seen only through a microscope. There are 4 main types of germs are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Germs can be found everywhere – in the air, soil, and water.
Do you know that some germs are harmless while some can make you sick, infectious diseases are diseases that are caused by germs?
How do germs spread?
There are different ways that germs can spread, including:
- Through touching: A person who has germs and makes close contact with a germ-free person, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing cups, or eating utensils transfers germs.
- Through air-born transfer, breathing air after a person with the germs coughs or sneezes spread it.
- Through touching objects and surfaces that have germs on them, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- From mother to baby during pregnancy and/or childbirth
- From insect or animal bites
- From contaminated food, water, soil, or plants
How can I protect myself and others from germs?
You can help protect yourself and others from germs:
- When you have to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow
- Wash your hands well and often. You should scrub them for at least 20 seconds. It is important to do this when you are most likely to get and spread germs:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- After touching garbage
- If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Stay home if you are sick
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Practice food safety when handling, cooking and storing food
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects