An infection is a sickness caused by microbes. Microbes are living things so small that you need a microscope to see them. Microbes can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. They are everywhere and most of them are harmless to human beings. Microbes like a warm, dark, moist environment to live and grow.
If we had a recipe for making an infection, we would need only three ingredients:
- A source of microbes (germs).
- A way of passing the microbes from one person to another or from one part of the body to another.
- A susceptible person – someone who is likely to get an infection because he is “run down” and his body can’t defend itself from microbes.
Microbes are passed from one person to another in several ways:
- through the air
- by touching
- by eating the microbes especially from contaminated hands
To keep from getting an infection you should follow some simple rules:
- Wash your hands, especially after using the bathroom and before you eat.
- Keep your distance from people with obvious infections. Don’t let them cough or sneeze in your face.
- Don’t share Kleenexes, drinking glasses, pop cans, lipstick, or silverware with people who might have an infection.
- Don’t touch cuts or sores with your fingers.
- Don’t break blisters. This allows microbes to get inside and cause infection.
- Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest.
- Take a bath or shower each day to wash away unwanted microbes. Keep your hair and scalp clean.
- Sleep in a clean bed. It is not a good idea to let cats and dogs sleep in your bed with you.
Since microbes are all around us, you have to make sure no one passes them to you. Make sure you don’t get run down; then you would be an easy target for an infection.