Little enemies everywhere! Let's get to know these germs better, shall we?

Have you ever wondered how many other tiny creatures live in this world with us? These tiny creatures that sometimes make us sick , but sometimes help us, are what we call “ germs .” So today, let’s talk about these germs, who they are, how they affect us, and how to protect ourselves from them. Let’s understand these things simply, just like talking to a friend.

What are these germs? Let's understand them simply!

Simply put, germs are a group of organisms that are too small to be seen by our eyes. Doctors call them ``Microorganisms'' or ``Microbes''. They are so small that sometimes we can't see them, even if there are thousands of them together.

Just think, these germs are everywhere! They can be in the air you breathe, the water you drink, the soil, the food you eat, and everything you touch. They live inside our bodies and on our skin. Isn't that amazing?

However, not all germs are bad. Some germs are very helpful to our bodies. For example, some types of bacteria in our intestines help us digest food. Also, some good germs help prevent bad germs from entering the body.

What are the main types of germs?

There are four main types of germs. Let's talk about each type in a little more detail.

When was this germ discovered?

The story of germs goes back hundreds of years. Around 1676, Dutch scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek first discovered bacteria using an early microscope. Since then, as microbiology has developed, many more have been discovered.

In 1857, French chemist Louis Pasteur proved that food spoils because it is contaminated with microorganisms. This led to his “Germ Theory of Disease .” This is the theory that infections and diseases are caused by germs called ``pathogens.'' Before this discovery, scientists believed in something called “spontaneous generation.” This is the theory that living things can come from nonliving things. Imagine how people thought back then!

What do germs really look like?

Most germs are invisible to our naked eye because they are so small. If you look at them through a microscope, they look like little balls, rods, or spirals. So small, you could line up about 1,000 germs along the top of a pencil eraser!

How do these germs get from one place to another?

There are many ways germs can spread. Let's take a look at some of them:

• By touching or being close to someone who has the germs. This can include hugging, kissing, or using items that they have used, such as dishes and cups.
• By breathing in the air after someone with germs sneezes or coughs.
• It can be spread by touching the stool of someone who has germs. It can also be caused by changing a baby's diaper and touching your nose, mouth, or eyes without washing your hands properly.
• By touching surfaces and objects that have germs on them, and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. Imagine if you touched a seat on a bus and then ate with the same hand?

Germs can also spread in these ways:

• From mother to baby, either during pregnancy or childbirth.
• From animal bites, insect stings.
• From contaminated soil, plants, food, or water.

What can kill germs?

Many things can kill germs, but some things can't.

• Hydrogen Peroxide : Yes. It can kill many types of germs, including bacteria and viruses, on non-porous surfaces.
• Rubbing Alcohol : Yes. Hand sanitizers, including those containing at least 70% `(Isopropyl Alcohol),` can kill germs.
• Vinegar: No. Vinegar does not kill many bacteria and viruses, including the flu virus and the coronavirus .
• Heat: Yes. Temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher can kill many viruses.