GERMSGERMSGERMSGERMS

……they are not our friendsthey are not our friends

By FRED A. TEGA, MDBy FRED A. TEGA, MD

Some kids think that germs are — bugs — cooties — other gross stuff.

Actually, germs are tiny organisms, or living things, that can cause diseases.

Germs are so small and sneaky that they creep into our bodies without being noticed.

They are so tiny… you need

to use a microscope to see them.

When they get in our bodies, they can make us sick!

Types of Germs

There are four major types of germs:

a. bacteria b. viruses c. Fungi d. protozoa.

They can invade plants, animals, and people, and sometimes they make us sick.

Where Are Germs Found?

Germs are found all over the world, in all kinds of places.

Germs worst hiding places

• Work desk • Kitchen sink • Dishcloth, sponge • Garbage can • Refrigerator • Bathroom• Bathroom doorknob • Keyboards • Escalator handrails

• Shopping cart handles

• Picnic tables • Light switches • Remote controls • Toys • Bathroom cups • Pens, pencils and

crayons • Pet cages

How do we spread Germs?

Most germs are spread through the air – sneezes, coughs,

breaths, – and also by touch.

How do we spread Germs?

Germs can also spread in sweat, saliva, blood.

How do we spread Germs?

1.

2. Touching something that is contaminated, like shaking hands with someone who has a cold and then touching your own nose.

Person to person

What do Germs do?

Once germs enter our bodies:

1. They snuggle in for a long stay.

2. They gobble up nutrients and energy, and can produce toxins, which are like poisons.

3. Those toxins can cause symptoms of common infections, like fevers, sniffles, rashes, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

They make

us sick

Germs…

Germs can cause fever

Germs can also

cause cough

Germs can cause rashes too

We have to ACT

How Can You Protect Yourself From

Germs?

Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cover your mouth when you cough to keep from spreading germs.

Use tissues for your sneezes and sniffles.

Always Use Tissue

But don't just throw tissues on the floor. Toss them in the trash and, again, wash your hands!

Germs do not like

soap and water

Wash Your Hands

Remember the two words germs fear — soap and water.

Washing your hands well and often is the best way to beat

these tiny warriors.

Wash Your Hands

So when are the best times to wash your

hands?

Before eating or touching food (like if you're helping cook or bake, for example)

So when are the best times to wash your

hands?

After using the bathroom

So when are the best times to wash your

hands?

After coughing, sneezing or

blowing your nose

So when are the best times to wash your

hands?

After touching pets or other animals

So when are the best times to wash your

hands?

After playing outside

So when are the best times to wash your

hands?

After visiting a sick relative or friend

Germs are everywhere

Sneezing —cover your nose

Coughing — cover your mouth

Best defense — wash hands with soap and water

— hand sanitizer

Remember: