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Hygiene Facts

What are germs?

The medical term for germs is: microorganisms. Tiny microorganisms are all around us but are invisible to the human eye. Most germs do not cause harm but some can make you sick.

Where can you find germs?

Not everybody will get sick from germs. Our bodies can fight against most germs but some do find a way to get in or onto your body and this causes us to not feel well.

INSIDE OUTSIDE
  • In the kitchen
  • On your skin
  • TV remote control
  • Bathrooms and toilets
  • On dish cloths and sponges
  • On door handles
  • Cell phones
  • In dirt and mud
  • In unclean water
  • Public transport such as taxis and busses
  • School playgrounds
  • Rubbish Bin

Here are some ways germs can spread

Touching

Germs can spread by touching a surface that has germs, then touching your eyes, nose, mouth, a cut or other openings in the body. Germs also live in body fluids such as mucus, pus and poo.

Eating and Drinking

Germs live in old/dirty food and dirty water. Unwashed fruits, vegetables and foods that are not properly cooked can make you ill.

Breathing

You can get sick by breathing in germs when someone coughs, sneezes or talks.

Getting Bitten

All wild animals, pets and small animals eg. Bats and insects have germs in their mouths which can cause you to feel ill and become sick.