by M. J. Joachim

Created on: February 07, 2009

How Germs Spread

The flu, like any other illness, starts when tiny, microscopic particles called germs enter our systems. Germs come in many shapes and sizes. They can be categorized in 4 different ways: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Germs attach to all sorts of things, including plants, animals and people. Once they find a living host, germs begin to multiply. The host then must battle back to remain healthy. Germs that multiply and spread are called contagious.

People are generally contagious with the flu a few days before they start to feel sick. They are also contagious once they have developed flu symptoms. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, achiness, difficulty breathing, head ache, and sore throat. People who catch the flu usually have symptoms for up to a week. If complications or secondary infections set in, factors of contagion will vary.

Types of Germs

Bacterium is an important germ. It is extremely tiny, only consisting of one cell. Some varieties of bacteria can live and multiply without a host. Other bacterium requires a living organism to continue to spread. Bacteria are important because it helps maintain balance in our systems. Their job is to break down nutrients, and sift out waste products. Bacteria are also useful in creating vaccines to fight against disease. However, some bacteria can be dangerous. These germs actually steal nutrients and create toxins in our systems when they spread, exposing more germs to those around us.

Viruses are germs whose sole purpose is to attack and destroy the living cell they attach to as a host. They live to breed, and breed to conquer the surrounding area. Viruses treat cells like dried sponges. They attach to it like a drop of water, and then fill it up until it explodes, because it simply can't hold any more of them. When this happens, virus germs continue to spread wherever they can unless they are stopped. The lifespan of a virus depends on several factors. They seem to thrive better in warm moist environments.

Fungi, unlike bacteria and viruses, consist of many cells. These germs multiply by getting nutrition from their host. Some fungi help decompose waste material, while other fungi feeds on living organisms. We enjoy ingesting helpful fungus when we eat bread containing yeast, or saut mushrooms with a meal. If fungus feeds on a host, it can and often does spread disease. Athlete's foot and ringworm are examples of disease causing fungus.

Protozoa are tiny little animals that spread disease.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>