Germ Prevention and Hygiene
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What you will learn
- 1Explain how germs spread from person to person
- 2Sort habits into healthy hygiene habits and habits that spread germs
- 3Describe why each hygiene step reduces the risk of illness
Mini Lesson
Germs are tiny living things — bacteria, viruses, and fungi — that can cause illness. They spread easily through touch, coughs, sneezes, and contaminated surfaces. Good hygiene habits break the chain of infection and protect both you and the people around you.
How Germs Spread
- Direct contact — touching an infected person or an object they have touched.
- Airborne droplets — coughs and sneezes send tiny germ-filled droplets into the air.
- Touching the face — germs on your hands can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Being around sick people — staying near someone who is ill increases the chance of catching their germs.
Four Key Hygiene Habits
- Wash hands — use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Soap breaks down germs and washes them away.
- Cover coughs and sneezes — use the inside of your elbow or a tissue to catch droplets. Throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your face — your hands touch many surfaces throughout the day. Keeping hands away from the face stops germs from entering the body.
- Stay home if sick — resting at home prevents spreading illness to family and friends.
Words to know
Germ
A tiny living thing such as a bacterium or virus that can cause illness
e.g. Washing hands removes germs.
Hygiene
Practices that keep the body clean and prevent the spread of disease
e.g. Good hygiene includes brushing teeth and washing hands.
Infection
The entry and growth of germs inside the body, causing illness
e.g. A throat infection can be caused by bacteria.
Contagious
Able to spread from one person to another
e.g. Flu is contagious and spreads through droplets.
Remember the four habits: wash hands, cover cough, avoid touching your face, stay home if sick. Doing all four together gives the best protection.
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