What are germs and how do they spread? (for parents and kids)

Germs are microorganisms that invade our bodies and make us sick. Because germs are everywhere, protecting yourself and your loved ones can sometimes be difficult. 

Knowing what germs are and how they spread increases your chances of avoiding various infections they cause. 

Different types of germs?

The four major types of germs are:

Bacteria

Bacteria are the most common type of germs that penetrate our bodies to feed upon their nutrients and energy to survive and multiply. Food poisoning is a common example of a disease caused by bacteria. But don't worry, here’s how you can protect yourself from food poisoning. 

Viruses

These germs need a living host (animal, plant, or person) to stay alive, grow, and reproduce.  Chickenpox, ebola, measles, and flu are some of the most common diseases caused by viruses. 

Fungi

They are multi-cell, plant-like organisms that prefer damp and warm places and need a living host to survive. Ringworm athlete's foot, toenail fungus, yeast infections, and jock itch are some of the most common fungal infections. 

Protozoa

These organisms prefer moisture and often spread waterborne diseases. In addition, some protozoa cause intestinal infections that can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and belly pain.

How do germs get into your body?

There are several ways through which germs can get into your body, including:

• Consuming contaminated food or water.
• Inhaling respiratory droplets that contain germs through the nose or mouth.
• Touching objects or surfaces that have germs on them. 
• Through injections, surgery, and animal or insect bites. 
• Passed onto others through bodily contact.

How can you protect yourself from germs?

By adopting the following hygiene habits, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from germs.

Hand Hygiene

• Regularly wash your hands with either an antibacterial soap or liquid hand wash. If they aren’t available, then applying hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of bacteria is also a viable option. 

Disinfect regularly touched surfaces

• Spray and wipe countertops in your kitchen, and disinfect your bathroom (including basins, shower doors, and faucets) and other regularly touched surfaces to reduce the spread of germs in your home. Dettol’s disinfectant spray and antiseptic liquid are ideal for use on hard and soft surfaces because of their simple, instant, and convenient use.

Clean your clothes

• Add Dettol’s antiseptic liquid to your laundry to eliminate 99.9% of germs and bacteria from your clothes. 

FAQs

What are some of the most common diseases caused by germs?

Some of the most common diseases caused by germs include cold, flu, fever, allergies, conjunctivitis, stomach ache, and coronavirus. 

Where are germs found the most?

Places, where the most germs are found include countertops, light switches, doorknobs, stove knobs, refrigerators, microwave handles, etc. You must know these home hygiene hotspots for complete and effective protection against germs. 

What is the dirtiest part of your body?

Your belly button is the dirtiest part of your body, harboring the most germs and bacteria.