subject: Fighting Germs And Preventing Illness [print this page] Understanding germs is the first step in fighting their spread and preventing illness. According to the MayoClinic.com website you can find germs anywhere, they're on food, in the air and on just about all surfaces. Your immune system is efficient in protecting you against most germs. However, some are continually mutating and growing stronger than what your immune system can fight.
Germs come in the form of viruses, bacteria, fungi and more. There is a difference between bacteria and viruses and how they are fought. Bacteria is shaped like short rods, spheres or spirals and are small and microscope. Some of the diseases bacterias can cause consist of strep throat, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections. Viruses on the other hand are small cells and are shaped like rods, spheres, or tadpoles. There are many diseases caused by viruses such as AIDS, the common cold, herpes, influenza, measles and smallpox.
The number one way to fight germs is to wash your hands. You can also use hand sanitizer. If the sanitizer contains more than 60% alcohol you will effectively be killing 99.99% of germs. When washing your hands it's important to do it the right way. Use warm water but make sure to start it on cold, gradually add in warm water and test it so you don't burn yourself. Avoid shortcuts and wash the front and back of your hands, under your nails and even your wrists. Make sure to wash for at least twenty seconds. The best way to dry your hands is with a hand dryer if possible. That way you do not have to come in contact with any germs on a faucet handle. If you do not have access to a hand dryer use a clean towel.
As a parent, washing your child's hand is equally important. Supervise your child as they wash to make sure they're using an ample amount of soap, assist them in rubbing the soap over their hands, washing and rinsing their hands. Instill healthy hand habits in your child early so it sticks with them to old age.
