What are germs and how do they affect us?

This children’s article, What are germs and how do they affect us?, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and discover how tiny living things called germs can affect our daily lives. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, a teacher and writer of English since 2017.

What are germs?

Germs are tiny living things that are too small to see without a microscope. They are everywhere, on your hands, in the air, on your school desk, and even inside your body! 

Some germs can make you ill, but not all of them are bad. In fact, some germs are helpful, like tiny helpers in your stomach that keep your digestion running smoothly.

Different types of germs

There are four main types of germs: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

• Bacteria are single-celled organisms. Some cause sore throats or food poisoning, but many are helpful and keep your body running smoothly.
  
• Viruses are even smaller and can cause colds, flu, or chickenpox. They need to be inside a living thing to grow, which makes them tricky to fight.
  
• Fungi include moulds and yeasts. Some fungi help make bread and cheese, while others can cause itchy skin infections.
  
• Protozoa usually live in water and can sometimes make people sick.

How do germs spread?

Germs are sneaky! They can travel from person to person in many ways. A cough or sneeze sends tiny droplets into the air. Touching a dirty surface and then your face can let germs sneak in. Eating food without washing your hands first is another way germs hitch a ride.

How can we protect ourselves?

The good news is that we can fight harmful germs with simple habits. Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to keep germs away. Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze stops germs from spreading to friends. 

Doctors also use vaccines, which are special medicines that teach your body how to fight certain viruses before they make you sick.

Are all germs bad?

Definitely not! Many germs are helpful. Some bacteria in your stomach help digest food. 

Scientists are discovering that certain germs can even help keep our skin and bodies healthy. Germs aren’t all villains, they just need to be in the right place!

For more information, you can visit the KidsHealth website.

Article vocabulary list

• Bacteria – tiny single-celled organisms, some helpful, some harmful
  
• Viruses – very small germs that cause illnesses such as colds or flu
  
• Fungi – living things like mould and yeast, which can be helpful or harmful
  
• Protozoa – tiny germs that often live in water and sometimes cause illness
  
• Microscope – a tool that makes very small things look bigger
  
• Digest – to break down food so the body can use it
  
• Infection – when harmful germs enter the body and make someone ill
  
• Vaccine – a medicine that teaches the body to fight certain germs
  
• Droplets – tiny drops of liquid that can carry germs

Comprehension questions

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