HEALTHY HABITS TO KEEP YOUR BODY SAFE!. WHAT ARE GERMS? You may know some infectious diseases....

HEALTHY HABITS TO KEEP YOUR

BODY SAFE!

WHAT ARE GERMS?• You may know

some infectious diseases. Vaccines and medicines help prevent diseases from spreading.

• Germs can cause diseases.

• Germs can live in or on:• Dirt

• Water

• Countertops

• Our Skin

• Our Intestines

• And in many other places around us

• When germs find a place they like, they set up a home for themselves (1)

(1) Adapted from the Infectious Disease Brochure: www.InfectMeNot.org

TYPES OF GERMS & DISEASES

Viruses:-Flu-Hepatitis-Chickenpox-Rabies-Common Cold-HIV/AIDS

Parasites:-Amoebas-Tapeworms-Malaria

Fungi:-Thrush-Ringworm-Candida-Athlete’s Foot

Bacteria:-Salmonella-Tetanus-Tuberculosis-Anthrax-Plague

Prions:-Mad Cow Disease

HOW DO GERMS SPREAD?• There are several ways

that germs can spread. We catch an infectious disease when we are first exposed to a germ. Our bodies are very good at fighting infections, but sometimes we can get sick. Just because you’ve been exposed to a germ, doesn’t necessarily mean you will get sick.

• The most common ways people are exposed to germs is through TOUCHING, EATING or DRINKING, BREATHING, and GETTING BITTEN.

• Germs can be spread through the air. This usually happens when people cough, sneeze, or even by talking.

• Animals carry and spread diseases. Wild animal bites or even pet and insect bites can carry harmful germs and make us sick.

• Unwashed fruits and vegetables and foods not cooked properly can also carry harmful germs as well. (2)

(2) Adapted from the Infectious Disease Brochure: www.InfectMeNot.org

THINGS I CAN DO TO KEEP MY

BODY SAFE

Cover Your Mouth When You Cough or

Sneeze! Get Vaccinated!

Don’t Share Personal Items

With OthersStay Home When You’re

Sick

Wash Your Hands OFTEN!