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