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Why Should I Care About Germs?

Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease — and they're so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. To stay healthy, it helps to give some thought to germs.

Germs Basics




Viruses are even smaller than bacteria and can't live on their own. In order to survive, grow, and reproduce, they need to be inside other living organisms. Most viruses can only live for a very short time outside other living cells. For example, they can stay on surfaces like a countertop or toilet seat in infected bodily fluids for a short period of time, but they quickly die there unless a live host comes along. But some viruses, such as the kind that cause hepatitis (an infection of the liver), can survive on surfaces for a week or longer and still be able to cause infections.

Once they've moved into your body, viruses spread easily and can make you quite sick. Viruses are responsible for not-so-serious diseases like colds as well as extremely serious diseases like smallpox.

Fungi (pronounced: FUN-guy) are multi-celled, plant-like organisms that usually aren't dangerous in a healthy person. Fungi can't produce their own food from soil, water, and air, so instead, they get nutrition from plants, food, and animals in damp, warm environments.

Two common fungal infections are athlete's foot and ringworm. People who have weakened immune systems (from diseases like AIDS or cancer) may develop more serious fungal infections.





How Can I Protect Myself From Germs?

The best way to prevent the infections that germs cause is by protecting yourself. Because most germs are spread through the air in sneezes or coughs or through bodily fluids like saliva, semen, vaginal fluid, or blood. If you or someone else is sick, your best bet is to limit contact with those substances.

Washing your hands often is absolutely the best way to stop germs from getting into your body. When should you wash? After using the bathroom, after blowing your nose or coughing, after touching any pets or animals, after gardening, or before and after visiting a sick relative or friend. And of course you should wash your hands before eating or cooking.

There's a right way to wash hands, too — you need to soap up well using warm water and plenty of soap, then rub your hands vigorously together for 20 seconds (away from the water). Rinse your hands and finish by drying them thoroughly on a clean towel. It's a good idea to carry hand sanitizer with you for times when you are eating out or not near a sink.

If you spend any time in the kitchen, you'll have many opportunities to get rid of germs. Be sure to use proper food-handling techniques, like using separate cutting boards, utensils, and towels for preparing uncooked meat and poultry.

Another way to fight infections from germs is to make sure you have the right immunizations, especially if you'll be traveling to other countries. Getting a flu vaccination yearly is strongly recommended, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

With a little prevention, you can keep harmful germs out of your way!

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: January 2014