Germ Protection FAQ
How do you protect yourself from germs & infections?
Hand-washing. Often overlooked, hand-washing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself from germs and most infections. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Wash your hands before preparing or eating food, after coughing or sneezing, after changing a diaper, and after using the toilet.
What is an example of a germ?
People can be sick with symptoms of an infection or colonized with germs (not have symptoms of an infection but able to pass the germs to others). Germs are also found in the healthcare environment. Examples of environmental sources of germs include: Dry surfaces in patient care areas (e.g., bed rails, medical equipment, countertops, and tables)
How do healthcare professionals classify 'germs' (microbes)?
Healthcare professionals classify 'germs' (microbes) into different groups. The most common groups of microbes that cause illness are described below. There are many different types of bacteria. Some bacteria are good and are helpful and protective to humans.
What are germs & pathogens?
Germs (also referred to as “pathogens”) are microscopic organisms that can cause illness and infections if they get into our bodies. Bacteria (e.g. Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning) Parasites (e.g. Giaridia Intestinalis, which can cause diarrhoea) How are germs spread? Bacteria and fungi can survive anywhere warm and moist in your home.
Do you know the basics of germs?
Most of us know the basics: washing hands with Lady Macbeth-like fervour (20 vigorous seconds, please!), avoiding touching your face, and, during viral outbreaks, perhaps donning gloves and face masks when going out in public. Still, germs lurk in some surprising places and on mundane objects.
Do germs harm you?
Most germs won't harm you. Your immune system protects you against infectious agents. However, some germs are difficult enemies because they're constantly mutating to breach your immune system's defenses. Knowing how germs work can increase your chances of avoiding infection. Infectious agents come in many shapes and sizes. Categories include:
Germ Protection References
If you want to know more about Germ Protection, consider exploring links below:
What Is Germ Protection
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289
- https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/hand-hygiene-soap-and-sanitiser-gel-what-you-need-to-know-a2ias8z9jZWO
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities/what-infections-are-how-they-are-transmitted-and-those-at-higher-risk-of-infection
- https://www.dettol.co.uk/common-infections/germs-bacteria-viruses/what-are-germs-and-how-do-they-spread/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/warding-off-germs-this-winter-whats-helpful-whats-not
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/5-ways-for-protection-against-germs/ar-AA1dCS7b
- https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/spread/index.html
- https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/science-and-technology/2020/04/heres-how-fight-germs-wherever-you-go
- https://patient.info/infections/antibiotics-leaflet/microbes-germs-and-antibiotics
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-pathogen-1958836
Germ Protection Information
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