Germ Basics
What is a communicable disease?
A disease that can spread from one person to another.
How can diseases spread through direct contact?
Touching, kissing, or shaking hands
What is the best way to prevent spreading germs?
Wash your hands.
This is a viral infection of the respiratory system. Some symptoms may be headache, fever, stuffy nose, sore throat, muscle aches, and dry cough. Also called Influenza
The flu
What is a vaccine?
A shot that helps your body build immunity to a disease.
What are the four main types of germs?
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
What is one example of indirect contact spread?
Touching contaminated objects like doorknobs.
Why should you cover your mouth when coughing?
To stop germs from spreading through the air.
Conjunctivitis, also known as _____ is viral or bacterial infection that causes inflammation in the eye.
Pink eye
What everyday habit helps your immune system by keeping germs away?
Washing hands.
Which germ causes the common cold?
A virus.
Vectors, or animals that spread germs
Mosquitoes, flies, ticks, fleas, lice
How long should you wash your hands?
At least 20 seconds.
________ is a serious and contagious respiratory disease that first occurred in China during December 2019. The disease quickly spread to other countries and became a pandemic.
Covid-19
What is another name for a “germ”?
A pathogen.
Which germ can be treated with antibiotics?
Bacteria.
The bacteria that causes food poisoning?
E. Coli
What should you do if you have a virus and feel sick?
Stay home, rest, and drink fluids
This disease causes red, itchy dot-like spots and can be prevented by a vaccine.
Chickenpox
Name 2 diseases you can prevent with a vaccine.
Measles, chickenpox, flu, or COVID-19.
This germ typically spreads through contaminated water.
Protozoa
What does “airborne transmission” mean?
Germs spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes.
Treatment substance that target and kill pathogenic, or harmful, bacteria
Antibiotics
_________ is a very common viral infection. This infection is often known as the kissing disease because it typically spreads through direct contact such as kissing. Mononucleosis may also spread when people share objects such as cups, toothbrushes, and lip gloss.
Mononucleosis, or mono
Why is it important to get vaccinated even if you are healthy?
To prevent disease and protect others.