What are 'germs'?

What we think we know about germs

Many people think that germs are things like colds and flu, tummy upsets etc. In fact, these are the results of germs entering the body and they can do that in lots of ways. When you hear your mum shout ''don't touch that it's dirty and you will catch some germs'', you may not really understand what she means, even if you know what she says is to protect you.

Germs are basically tiny living organisms that cause the things that we just said above and they have the ability to make us really really unwell and they can have potentially fatal consequences.

Its a bit shocking that something so tiny as a little microbe can wreak such havoc in our bodies. Everyone feels invincible until they come down with something that makes them unwell but when you see that these tiny BACTERIA, FUNGI, VIRUS AND PARASITES, can do so much damage, its really important that you learn what these little germs do and more importantly, how to protect yourself.

There are lots of areas of the Germ Buddies web site where you can learn all about where germs live - ( some have favourite environments where they thrive), where they come from, how they can affect us and how to avoid becoming ill from contact with those naughty pathogens.

You have already heard a few really cool words, like ORGANISM, MICROBE, and PATHOGEN. You are already part of the way on your learning journey towards becoming like Professor Stan Sanitary, our resident expert on all things GERMS!

Now you are starting to really sound like a scientist..... time to get out your white coat and lab equipment I think?? Can you see those tiny germs? They are almost invisible and very good at hiding?