Catching an Infection
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.
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 Catching an Infection
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