Germs

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What are Germs?

The term "germs" refers to the microscopic


bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can cause
disease.

Hand washing is the single most important thing you


can do to prevent germs from leading to infections
and sickness.

Types of Germs

Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that get nutrients from their
environments. In some cases, that environment is children 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.

Bacteria can cause trouble, too, as with cavities, urinary tract infections, or strep
throat. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.

Viruses cannot 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, viruses 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 a virus has moved into someone's body, it can spread easily and can make a
person sick. Viruses are responsible for some minor sicknesses like colds, common
illnesses like the flu, and extremely serious diseases like smallpox or HIV/AIDS.

Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Antiviral agents have been developed
to fight off a small select group of viruses.

Many, such as athlete's foot and yeast infections, are not dangerous in a healthy
person. People who have weakened immune systems (from diseases like HIV or
cancer), though, may develop more serious fungal infections.
1. Germs are

a) Microscopic
b) Macroscopic
c) Can be seen with naked eye
d) Our friends

2. Which of the following is a disease-causing germ?

a) Bacteria
b) Virus
c) Protozoa
d) All of the above

3. Antibiotics are used to treat infections.

a) Bacterial
b) Viral
c) Both a and b option
d) None of the above

4. Antibiotics are effective against viruses. Is this statement true?

a) True
b) False

What are Germs? Writing Activity

1. Define germs.

2. Is it true that all bacteria are harmful for humans? If No, Explain your
answer.

3. What do you know about Viruses?


Name ______________________ Date ________________________

What are Germs?

Answers

1. a
2. d
3. a
4. b

Explanation of Answers

1. Germs are microscopic and they cannot be seen with naked eye.

2. The term "germs" refers to the microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and
protozoa that can cause disease.

3. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.

4. False statement.

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