Germs are everywhere, and they can be downright terrifying. From the common cold to life-threatening diseases, germs can cause a wide range of illnesses that can wreak havoc on our bodies. As a society, we're becoming increasingly aware of the importance of hygiene and germ prevention, but many of us still don't fully understand the scope of the problem.
Germs are tiny microorganisms that can cause infection and illness. They're found on every surface, in every substance, and on every person. In fact, the average person has around 39 trillion microorganisms living inside and on their body at any given time. While many of these microorganisms are harmless, some can cause serious harm.
In this article, we'll explore five ways germs are scary, and provide you with a free printable guide to help you protect yourself and your loved ones from these tiny terrors.
1. Germs Can Cause Life-Threatening Illnesses
Germs can cause a wide range of illnesses, from the common cold to life-threatening diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), infectious diseases are responsible for over 16% of all deaths worldwide.
Some of the most common life-threatening illnesses caused by germs include:
- Influenza (the flu)
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Sepsis
- Tuberculosis
These illnesses can be spread through the air, through contaminated food and water, or through direct contact with an infected person.
How to Protect Yourself
To protect yourself from life-threatening illnesses caused by germs, it's essential to practice good hygiene. This includes:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Getting vaccinated against common illnesses like the flu and pneumonia
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Avoiding sharing food, drinks, or utensils with others
- Keeping surfaces and objects clean and disinfected
2. Germs Can Be Highly Contagious
Germs can be highly contagious, and can spread quickly from person to person. In fact, some germs can spread through the air, while others can survive on surfaces for hours or even days.
Some of the most contagious germs include:
- The flu virus
- The common cold virus
- Norovirus (which causes stomach flu)
- Rotavirus (which causes diarrhea and vomiting)
These germs can be spread through:
- Coughing and sneezing
- Touching contaminated surfaces or objects
- Sharing food, drinks, or utensils with others
- Not washing your hands frequently enough
How to Protect Yourself
To protect yourself from highly contagious germs, it's essential to practice good hygiene and take steps to avoid coming into contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces. This includes:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Avoiding sharing food, drinks, or utensils with others
- Keeping surfaces and objects clean and disinfected
- Getting vaccinated against common illnesses like the flu and pneumonia
3. Germs Can Be Resistant to Antibiotics
Germs can be resistant to antibiotics, making them difficult to treat. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest public health threats of our time.
Some of the most common antibiotic-resistant germs include:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
- Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)
These germs can cause a wide range of illnesses, from skin infections to life-threatening diseases like pneumonia and sepsis.
How to Protect Yourself
To protect yourself from antibiotic-resistant germs, it's essential to practice good hygiene and take steps to avoid coming into contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces. This includes:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Avoiding sharing food, drinks, or utensils with others
- Keeping surfaces and objects clean and disinfected
- Getting vaccinated against common illnesses like the flu and pneumonia
4. Germs Can Be Found in Unexpected Places
Germs can be found in unexpected places, from your kitchen counter to your smartphone. In fact, according to a study by the University of Arizona, the average kitchen counter has over 1,000 times more bacteria than the average toilet handle.
Some of the most common places germs can be found include:
- Kitchen counters and sinks
- Bathroom surfaces and sinks
- Smartphones and other electronic devices
- Gym equipment and workout surfaces
- Public transportation and shared vehicles
These germs can cause a wide range of illnesses, from the common cold to life-threatening diseases like pneumonia and sepsis.
How to Protect Yourself
To protect yourself from germs in unexpected places, it's essential to practice good hygiene and take steps to avoid coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. This includes:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Keeping surfaces and objects clean and disinfected
- Avoiding sharing food, drinks, or utensils with others
- Using a disinfectant wipe to clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and light switches
- Avoiding touching your face or mouth
5. Germs Can Be Spread Through Food and Water
Germs can be spread through food and water, causing a wide range of illnesses from food poisoning to life-threatening diseases like cholera and typhoid fever.
Some of the most common ways germs can be spread through food and water include:
- Contaminated food handling and preparation
- Undercooked or raw meat, poultry, and seafood
- Unpasteurized dairy products and juices
- Contaminated water sources and ice
These germs can cause a wide range of illnesses, from the common cold to life-threatening diseases like pneumonia and sepsis.
How to Protect Yourself
To protect yourself from germs in food and water, it's essential to practice good hygiene and take steps to avoid coming into contact with contaminated food and water sources. This includes:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Keeping food and water sources clean and disinfected
- Avoiding undercooked or raw meat, poultry, and seafood
- Using a food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to a safe temperature
- Avoiding unpasteurized dairy products and juices
Free Printable Guide: 5 Ways Germs Are Scary
Download our free printable guide to learn more about the 5 ways germs are scary, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from these tiny terrors.
We hope you found this article informative and helpful. Don't forget to share it with your friends and family to help spread awareness about the importance of germ prevention.
What do you think is the scariest thing about germs? Let us know in the comments below!
What are germs?
+Germs are tiny microorganisms that can cause infection and illness. They're found on every surface, in every substance, and on every person.
How can I protect myself from germs?
+To protect yourself from germs, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and keeping surfaces and objects clean and disinfected.
Can germs be spread through food and water?
+Yes, germs can be spread through food and water. This can happen through contaminated food handling and preparation, undercooked or raw meat, poultry, and seafood, unpasteurized dairy products and juices, and contaminated water sources and ice.