HEALTHY LIVINGHEALTHY LIVING

GERMS AND DISEASESGERMS AND DISEASES

Class 4JHClass 4JHStanford School LacebyStanford School Laceby

Some diseases are caused by Some diseases are caused by germs There are many different germs There are many different

types of germs , but the main ones types of germs , but the main ones are bacteria and viruses. Many of are bacteria and viruses. Many of these germs live in your blood all these germs live in your blood all

the time and do you no harm. Other the time and do you no harm. Other germs make you ill if they get inside germs make you ill if they get inside your body and increase in number.your body and increase in number.

To make you ill, bacteria and viruses To make you ill, bacteria and viruses have to get inside your body and have to get inside your body and multiply [increase in number]. The multiply [increase in number]. The

germs can enter your body through germs can enter your body through any of the body's openings, such as any of the body's openings, such as

the nose or mouth.the nose or mouth.

When germs enter any of the body’s natural openings, they meet a number of defences. These help to stop them getting any further.

•Tiny hairs in the nose can help stop germs being breathed in.•Saliva in the mouth kills some germs.•Tears can kill some germs.•Stomach juices kill some germs.•Skin stops germs getting in

However, in spite of these natural defences, some However, in spite of these natural defences, some germs will get into your body. Inside your body germs will get into your body. Inside your body the environment is perfect for the bacteria and the environment is perfect for the bacteria and viruses. There is warmth and plenty of food. In viruses. There is warmth and plenty of food. In these conditions the germs will quickly multiply these conditions the germs will quickly multiply and produce poisons which will be carried all and produce poisons which will be carried all

around your body by the blood.around your body by the blood.

Some germs get into your body through Some germs get into your body through natural opening. Other germs can get in natural opening. Other germs can get in when your skin is cut. Your skin is your when your skin is cut. Your skin is your first defence but we often cut ourselves first defence but we often cut ourselves

and even a small cut lets in germs.and even a small cut lets in germs.

Once the germs are inside your body Once the germs are inside your body they meet defences.they meet defences.

Your blood contains white blood cells, amongst Your blood contains white blood cells, amongst other things.other things.Some of the white blood cells will engulf and Some of the white blood cells will engulf and digest bacteria.digest bacteria.Other white blood cells produce chemicals called Other white blood cells produce chemicals called antibodies.antibodies.Antibodies help to make the germs that cause Antibodies help to make the germs that cause disease harmlessdisease harmless..

This is what happens if you cut yourself This is what happens if you cut yourself

When you get a cut, bacteria surge in and When you get a cut, bacteria surge in and begin to multiply .the blood vessels around begin to multiply .the blood vessels around the cut expand so that the blood can flow the cut expand so that the blood can flow more quickly, bringing more white blood more quickly, bringing more white blood cells to the wound. The white blood cells cells to the wound. The white blood cells try to destroy the germs. Any dead cells try to destroy the germs. Any dead cells and dead germs are removed from the and dead germs are removed from the wound as pus.wound as pus.

Bacteria and viruses which cause Bacteria and viruses which cause diseases can be spread in many ways. By diseases can be spread in many ways. By contact with infected droplets from contact with infected droplets from someone with the disease. By drinking someone with the disease. By drinking contaminated water. By eating contaminated water. By eating contaminated food. By contact with contaminated food. By contact with infected people and infected objects .By infected people and infected objects .By contact with animals. When a disease can contact with animals. When a disease can be spread or caught it is said to be be spread or caught it is said to be infectious .infectious .

Bacteria are some of the smallest and Bacteria are some of the smallest and simplest living things. Many hundreds of simplest living things. Many hundreds of them would fit on the full stop at the end of them would fit on the full stop at the end of this sentence.this sentence.

Not all bacteria are harmful, some of them Not all bacteria are harmful, some of them are useful to humans. The bacteria that are useful to humans. The bacteria that are harmful can cause some really nasty are harmful can cause some really nasty diseases. They can also cause things like diseases. They can also cause things like boils and food poisoning. boils and food poisoning. They only shows signs of life when they They only shows signs of life when they get inside the living cells of plants and get inside the living cells of plants and animals. They cause diseases like animals. They cause diseases like influenza and the common cold in us.influenza and the common cold in us.

How to stop germs How to stop germs spreadingspreading

Wash your hands regularly especially after going Wash your hands regularly especially after going to the toilet.to the toilet.

Cover your mouth when you’re sneezing .Cover your mouth when you’re sneezing .

Keep your body as clean as possible.Keep your body as clean as possible.

Brush your teeth twice a day .Brush your teeth twice a day .

If you are ill, stay at home rather than come to If you are ill, stay at home rather than come to school.school.

Cover cuts with plasters.Cover cuts with plasters.

Remember…Remember…

Germs can be good but germs can be badGerms can be good but germs can be bad

Treat them with care and you won’t feel sad!Treat them with care and you won’t feel sad!