How Do Germs Make You Sick?
Hello there, young scientist! Have you ever wondered why you sometimes get a runny nose, a sore throat, or feel tired and yucky? It’s often because of tiny, invisible creatures called germs. Germs are so small you need a super-powerful microscope to see them. But even though they’re tiny, they can have a big impact on your body. Let’s explore what germs are, how they make you sick, and what you can do to stay healthy.
Hello my friends!
For a quick note, welcome to Tidbits with Titus, a podcast and newsletter where we tackle the big, curious questions kids ask every day in fun, bite-sized ways! I’m Alexander Titus, but I go by Titus. I’m a scientist, adventurer, and a huge fan of making science, technology, and life accessible to all ages. From “How does electricity work?” to “What are taxes?” and even “Why is the sky blue?” I’m here to dive into these wonder-filled questions with engaging stories and simple explanations that spark curiosity and make learning a joy. This effort is all about creating a space where families can learn together, discover the magic of the every day, and find thoughtful ways to explore the world’s big mysteries. Let’s make curiosity a family tradition—one tidbit at a time!
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What Are Germs?
Germs are very small living things that can cause illnesses. There are four main types of germs:
Bacteria
Viruses
Fungi
Protozoa
Each type of germ works a little differently, but they all can make you feel unwell if they get inside your body.
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny organisms with just one cell. They can be good or bad. The good bacteria in your body help with things like digestion. But bad bacteria, like the ones that cause strep throat or ear infections, can make you sick.
Viruses
Viruses are even smaller than bacteria! They’re like tiny invaders that need to sneak into your body’s cells to survive. Once inside, they make copies of themselves, spreading quickly. Viruses can cause illnesses like colds, the flu, or chickenpox.
Fungi
Fungi are germs that grow on living things and sometimes cause infections, like athlete’s foot or ringworm.
Protozoa
Protozoa are tiny germs that live in water or food. They can cause illnesses like diarrhea if they get inside your body.
How Do Germs Get Inside Your Body?
Germs are sneaky. They can enter your body in many ways, including:
Through your mouth – When you eat food, drink water, or touch your face with dirty hands.
Through your nose – When you breathe in air that has germs in it.
Through cuts or scrapes – Germs can sneak in if your skin is broken.
Through your eyes – If you rub your eyes with dirty hands, germs can get in.
Once inside, germs start causing trouble!
How Germs Make You Sick
Think of your body as a castle and germs as tiny invaders trying to break in. Your body has defenses, like your skin, your immune system, and even mucus (the sticky stuff in your nose) to trap germs. But if the germs get past these defenses, here’s what happens:
1. They Multiply
Germs love to grow and multiply. One germ can quickly turn into millions!
2. They Release Toxins
Some germs release poisons called toxins that make you feel sick. These toxins can give you symptoms like a fever, a sore throat, or a stomachache.
3. They Damage Your Cells
Viruses, for example, take over your body’s cells and use them to make copies of themselves. This damages or kills your cells.
Why Do You Feel Sick?
When germs invade, your body’s immune system jumps into action to fight back. It’s like having tiny soldiers inside you! Here’s what your immune system does:
Fever: Your body heats up to make it harder for germs to survive.
Coughing and Sneezing: This helps your body get rid of germs.
Runny Nose: Mucus traps germs and carries them out of your body.
Feeling Tired: Your body uses extra energy to fight the germs, so you might feel sleepy.
Where Do Germs Hide?
Germs can hide in lots of places, including:
On your hands
On doorknobs and light switches
On toys
In food or water
In the air
This is why it’s important to wash your hands, keep your environment clean, and be careful about what you eat and drink.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Germs?
Here are some super-important tips to stay healthy and keep germs away:
1. Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to get rid of germs. Scrub for at least 20 seconds—try singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice!
2. Cover Your Mouth and Nose
When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow. This keeps germs from spreading to others.
3. Don’t Touch Your Face
Germs love to hitch a ride on your hands and then sneak into your body through your mouth, nose, or eyes.
4. Eat Healthy Foods
Fruits and vegetables give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to fight germs.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is when your body recharges and strengthens your immune system.
6. Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccines
Vaccines help protect you from some dangerous germs.
Good Germs vs. Bad Germs
Did you know not all germs are bad? Some germs are your friends!
Good bacteria in your stomach help you digest food.
Some bacteria make food like yogurt or cheese.
Good germs help protect your skin from bad germs.
Fun Germ Facts
Germs are so small that 1,000 of them could fit on the tip of a pencil!
Some germs glow in the dark under a special light called ultraviolet (UV) light.
The first person to see germs was a scientist named Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in the 1600s.
What Happens When You Take Medicine?
Sometimes your body needs help to fight germs. That’s when medicine can come to the rescue!
Antibiotics kill bacteria but don’t work on viruses.
Antiviral medicines can help fight some viruses.
Over-the-counter medicines, like cough syrup, can help you feel better, but they don’t kill germs.
What If You Don’t Feel Better?
If you’re sick for a long time, it’s important to tell an adult so you can see a doctor. Doctors can figure out what kind of germ is causing your illness and help you get better.
Let’s Be Germ-Busters!
You can be a germ-buster by practicing good hygiene, eating healthy, and staying active. Remember, your body is amazing and knows how to fight off most germs all by itself. But when you help out by washing your hands and taking care of yourself, you make it even stronger!
So now you know all about germs and how they can make you sick. But don’t worry—with a little care and some smart choices, you can keep those tiny troublemakers away and stay healthy and happy!
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