GERMS

Germs Are EVERYWHERE Air, plants, food, soil, water, all surfaces Even in our BODIES ! Our immune system protects us against them except for a few nasties and those microbes that mutate

Types of Germs / Microbes Bacteria Viruses Fungi Protozoa Helminths

BACTERIA 1 celled organisms visible only thru microscope So small that 1,000 bacteria can wrap themselves around 1 pencil eraser Shapes: rod, sphere, spiral Not all are harmful – only 1% cause disease Ex: Lactobacillius acidophilus

MRSA Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureaus Blamed for 94,000 infections in 2005 and 19,000 deaths Dangerous because it is resistant to broad spectrum antibiotics Symptoms begin with small red bumps that get larger + fever + rash + heat + swelling + pus + painful

HOW to protect yourself: Wash Hands !!! Keep Personal Items Personal Don’t share combs, brushes, razors, jewelry, soap, towels, equipment, headphones, cell phones Keep open wounds/sores covered with sterile, dry bandage Shower with soap and water Wash towels, sheets, clothes, uniforms Use antibiotics properly

What is the best way to protect yourself ?

viruses Tiny capsules that hold genetic material Reproduce by invading cells, injecting their DNA, killing host cell Antibiotics are INEFFECTIVE Ex: AIDS, Influenza, Ebola, genital herpes, measles, smallpox

fungi

protozoa Single cell organism Some are harmless and live in our intestines Harmful = Giardia, Malaria

Helminth Can enter your body, take up residence in your intestinal tract, lungs, liver, skin, brain through nymph stage or larval/egg stage

Our immune system protects us Except… When to seek medical care: Animal/human bite Difficulty breathing Cough that lingers more than one week Fever 100+ Rapid heart rate Rash that doesn’t go away Rash + Fever Redness + swelling + pain + pus + Fever Blurred vision Persistent vomit Unusual/severe headache

Stay healthy !