What do germs cause

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Viruses are even smaller than bacteria. They aren't even a full cell. They need to use another cell's structures to reproduce, which means they can't survive unless they're living inside something else such as a person, animal, or plant.

Viruses can only live for a very short time outside other living cells. For example, viruses in infected body fluids left on surfaces like a countertop or toilet seat can live there for a short time, but quickly die unless a live host comes along. Once they've moved into someone's body, though, viruses spread easily and can make a person sick.

Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Antiviral medicines have been developed against a small, select group of viruses. Fungi pronounced: FUN-guy are multicelled, plant-like organisms. Some bacteria are good for our bodies — they help keep things in balance. Good bacteria live in our intestines and help us use the nutrients in the food we eat and make waste from what's left over. We couldn't make the most of a healthy meal without these important helper germs!

Viruses say: VY-rus-iz : These germs need to be inside living cells to grow and reproduce. Most viruses can't survive very long if they're not inside a living thing like a plant, animal, or person. Whatever a virus lives in is called its host.

When viruses get inside people's bodies, they can spread and make people sick. Viruses cause chickenpox, measles, flu, and many other diseases.

Fungi say: FUN-guy : These are multi-celled made of many cells , plant-like organisms. Unlike other plants, fungi can't make their own food from soil, water, and air.

Instead, fungi get their nutrition from plants, people, and animals. They love to live in damp, warm places, and many fungi are not dangerous in healthy people.

An example of something caused by fungi is athlete's foot, that itchy rash that people sometimes get between their toes. Protozoa say: pro-toh-ZOH-uh : These one-celled organisms love moisture and often spread diseases through water. Some protozoa cause intestinal infections that lead to diarrhea, nausea, and belly pain. If germs invade our bodies, they snuggle in for a long stay. They gobble up nutrients and energy, and can make toxins say: TOK-sinz , which are proteins that act like poisons.

Those toxins can cause symptoms of common infections, like fevers, sniffles, rashes, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea. How do doctors figure out what germs are doing? Other yearly immunizations such as the flu vaccine are a good idea, especially if someone in your family has a weakened immune system or other chronic medical problems.

Teens who are sexually active should understand that condoms can help prevent infection because viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa can be spread via oral, anal, or vaginal contact.

Also, all teens should be vaccinated against hepatitis B. This disease is often transmitted through sexual activity but people also can get it from contaminated needles, such as those used for tattooing or drugs. The HPV vaccine is approved for use in both males and females. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Reviewed by: Ryan J. Brogan, DO Date reviewed: January Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. All rights reserved. Find a Doctor. About Us. Community Programs. California Kids Care. International Services. Video Visits: Telemedicine. Locations Main Campus.

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