Disease-causing germs, also known as pathogens, can enter our bodies in various ways and cause a wide range of illnesses. In this blog, we’ll explore how these germs invade our bodies.
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- Inhalation One common way that germs can enter our bodies is through inhalation. This can happen when we breathe in airborne germs such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. For example, the flu virus can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and people nearby inhale the droplets containing the virus.
- Ingestion Another way that germs can invade our bodies is through ingestion. This can happen when we eat or drink contaminated food or water. For example, the bacteria Salmonella can cause food poisoning when we eat undercooked poultry or eggs.
- Contact Germs can also enter our bodies through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. This can happen when we touch a contaminated object and then touch our mouth, nose, or eyes. For example, the common cold virus can survive on surfaces such as doorknobs and keyboards for several hours, making it easy to spread from person to person.
- Bite of infected animals Some diseases can also be transmitted to humans through the bites of infected animals, such as mosquitoes or ticks. For example, Lyme disease is spread through the bite of an infected tick, while malaria is spread by the Anopheles mosquito.
Once the germs have entered our bodies, they can invade our cells and tissues, multiply, and cause damage. Our immune system then responds by producing antibodies and sending white blood cells to fight off the infection. The symptoms we experience, such as fever, coughing, and fatigue, are often a result of our body’s response to the infection.
In conclusion, disease-causing germs can invade our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, contact with contaminated surfaces, and bites from infected animals. While we can’t always prevent exposure to germs, practicing good hygiene habits such as washing our hands regularly, covering our mouths when we cough or sneeze, and avoiding contact with sick people can help reduce our risk of infection. It’s also essential to seek medical attention if we suspect we have an infection to receive prompt treatment and prevent further spread of the disease.
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