By: Michael G. and Michael D.
Germs are everywhere, even in the air! Believe it or not, germs can be our friends!!
Viruses and bacteria are germs. They stuff up your nose give you a sore throat, fever your body, itch your skin, upset your stomach, water your eyes, and... whew! They cause a lot of trouble!
Germs live everywhere as we said earlier. You'd need a microscope to see them, that's how tiny they are. They are in the air you breathe, in the food you eat, in the water you drink, and on everything you touch.
Many germs are not harmful, though. Also, your body keeps germs out most of the time, Although germs are all around, they do not always make you sick.
Your skin helps to block germs. As long as there are no cuts or scratches on your skin, germs can't get in. Your nose hairs help, too. The hairs catch many of the germs you breathe in.
Germs can get stuck in your throat because it is always wet. But, they usually don't go any further. Yet, some germs do slip in every once in a while.
If your friend sneezes germs fly out into the air. You breathe that air. Some of his germs may get into your lungs.
You take a sip of your cousin's soda. Her germs are on the straw. A few of the germs may get into your stomach that way.
You're riding your bike. You fall down and scrape your knee. Germs from the ground may get under your skin. But even harmful bacteria and viruses get into your body, but you don't always get sick. So, not all bacteria are bad. Some bacteria are good for our bodies - they help keep things in balance.
When enough cells are harmed, you feel sick. You may have pains and aches, run a fever, or even break out in a rash. You may cough or sneeze, or throw up. These are signs that tell you that you are getting sick.
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