What types of germs exist?
BACTERIA – are tiny, single-celled organisms that get nutrients from their environments. In some cases, that environment is your child or some other living being. Some bacteria are good for our bodies – they help keep the digestive system in working order and keep harmful bacteria from moving in. Some bacteria are used to produce medicines and vaccines. But bacteria can cause trouble, too, like cavities, urinary tract infections, or strep throat. VIRUSES – can’t survive, grow, and reproduce unless a person or an animal puts up rental space. Viruses can only live for a very short time outside other living cells. For example, germs in infected bodily fluids left on surfaces like a countertop or toilet seat can live there for a short time, but quickly die unless a live host comes along. Once they’ve moved into someone’s body, though, viruses spread easily and can make a person sick. Viruses are responsible for some minor sicknesses like colds, as well as extremely serious diseases like sm
