Ever wonder after you get a cold or the flu how you got sick? You probably already know that illnesses are contagious, meaning you get it from someone else who’s sick, but did you know they are caused by germs that invade your body?
Germs are tiny organisms, or living things, that can cause disease. They are so small, in fact, that to see them you have to use a microscope. And you don’t know they’ve gotten in your body until you’re already feeling yucky. Once germs invade your body, they like to hang out and stay a while. They quickly suck up your body’s nutrients and energy and then produce toxins, which are like poisons. It’s these toxins that give you the annoying symptoms of being sick; like vomiting, coughing and fevers. As nice as a day off from school sounds, it’s not much fun at all when you’re feeling awful!
As gross as germs are, there isn’t much we can do to get rid of them completely; they are just part of our world. There are, however, several ways you can protect yourself and others. Remember the following simple steps to keep germs away as well as how to prevent your friends and family from getting sick.
• Getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods and regular exercise helps keep your immunity strong. Immunity is your body’s natural way of fi ghting back germs that can cause you to get sick. When you have a strong immunity, you are less
likely to become ill in the first place!
• Because most germs are spread through the air, always cover your nose when you sneeze and your mouth when you cough with a tissue. Then throw away the tissue and wash your hands right away.
• When you’re not feeling well, it’s important you stay home from school and other places where you come in contact with kids. That will prevent your friends from getting what you have.
• Never share personal items like forks, spoons or toothbrushes with your friends.
• The two biggest weapons against germs are soap and water. Always wash your hands after you cough or sneeze, use the bathroom, play outside or visit with a sick friend. Wash up before you eat or make food and always before you touch
your face.
• When washing, make sure the water is warm and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, or about the time it takes to sing the “ABC” song. Rubbing your hands together, build up a nice, foamy lather. Don’t forget to scrub under your fingernails, on your knuckles and between your fingers too!
As you can see, even though germs will never go away completely and you will continue to occasionally get sick, there are ways you can get ill less often. When you practice good habits, you’ll be a much healthier and happier kid!
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