Invisible threats around us, always!
Germs, bacteria and virus are always around us because they are extremely small microorganisms that live in the air, water, soil, plants, animals and humans. They are part of the natural environment and play important roles in various biological processes. However, some of them can also cause diseases and infections in humans and other living beings.
Germs are a general term for any microorganism that can cause illness or disease. Germs include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans and helminths. Bacteria are one-celled organisms that can be beneficial or harmful to humans. Some bacteria help us digest food, produce vitamins and fight off harmful microbes, while others can cause infections such as strep throat, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections. Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and need a host cell to reproduce. They can invade and damage the cells of humans and other animals, causing diseases such as AIDS, common cold, Ebola, genital herpes, influenza, measles, chickenpox and COVID-19. Fungi are plant-like organisms that can grow on organic matter. Some fungi are edible, such as mushrooms and yeast, while others can cause infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and yeast infections. Protozoans are single-celled organisms that behave like tiny animals. They can live in water, soil and inside other organisms. Some protozoans can cause diseases such as malaria, dysentery and giardiasis. Helminths are worms that can infect humans and animals. They can live in the intestines, blood, tissues and organs of their hosts. Some helminths can cause diseases such as roundworm, tapeworm and hookworm infections.
Germs, bacteria and virus are always around us because they can spread in various ways, such as direct or indirect contact with an infected person, animal or object, droplets from body fluids, insect or animal bites, contaminated food or water, sexual contact, childbirth and airborne transmission. Some germs can survive outside the host for a long time, while others can only live for a short period. Some germs can mutate and adapt to different environments and hosts, making them more resistant to treatments and prevention measures. Some germs can also coexist with other germs, creating new combinations and strains that can cause more severe or novel diseases.
Germs, bacteria and virus are always around us because they are part of the natural balance of life. They have existed for billions of years and have evolved with the changing conditions of the Earth. They have influenced the history and development of human civilization and culture. They have also contributed to the advancement of science and medicine, as well as the discovery of new drugs and vaccines. However, germs, bacteria and virus can also pose serious threats to human health and well-being, especially when they cause outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics. Therefore, it is important to understand how germs work and how to protect ourselves and others from them.
Kids get sick easily!
Kids are often seen as more vulnerable to illnesses than adults, especially when they are exposed to germs, bacteria and virus. This is not just a perception, but a reality that has scientific explanations. There are several factors that make kids more susceptible to infections, such as their developing immune system, their frequent contact with other kids, and their different physiology and behavior.
One of the main reasons why kids get sick more easily than adults is that their immune system is not fully mature and efficient. The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism against foreign invaders, such as germs, bacteria and virus. It consists of two parts: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. The innate immune system is the first line of defense that responds quickly and broadly to any threat. The adaptive immune system is the second line of defense that responds specifically and effectively to a particular pathogen, and also creates a memory of it for future protection.
Kids have a weaker innate immune system than adults, which makes them more prone to infections. For example, kids have fewer natural killer cells, which are white blood cells that can destroy infected cells and tumor cells. Kids also have lower levels of cytokines, which are molecules that regulate the immune response and inflammation. Moreover, kids have a less developed adaptive immune system than adults, which makes them less able to fight off new or recurring pathogens. For example, kids have fewer antibodies, which are proteins that bind to and neutralize specific antigens. Kids also have fewer memory cells, which are cells that remember previous encounters with a pathogen and mount a faster and stronger response upon re-exposure.
Another reason why kids get sick more easily than adults is that they are more exposed to germs, bacteria and virus. Kids tend to interact more with other kids, especially in school, daycare, playground, or other crowded places. This increases their chances of getting infected by respiratory droplets, direct or indirect contact, or shared objects. Kids also tend to have less hygiene habits than adults, such as washing hands, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, or avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth. This makes them more likely to transmit or acquire germs, bacteria and virus.
A third reason why kids get sick more easily than adults is that they have different physiology and behavior than adults. Kids have smaller and narrower airways than adults, which makes them more susceptible to respiratory infections, such as colds, flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Kids also have thinner skin and more of it per pound of body weight than adults, which makes them more vulnerable to skin infections, such as impetigo, ringworm, or scabies. Kids also have faster metabolism and higher water intake than adults, which makes them more affected by toxins or contaminants in food or water, such as salmonella, E. coli, or lead. Kids also have more curiosity and exploration than adults, which makes them more exposed to environmental hazards, such as insects, animals, plants, or chemicals.
Kids get sick more easily than adults when confronted with germs, bacteria and virus because of their immature and inefficient immune system, their frequent and close contact with other kids, and their different physiology and behavior. However, this does not mean that kids are doomed to be sick all the time. There are ways to prevent and treat infections in kids, such as vaccination, hygiene, nutrition, rest, medication, and seeking medical attention when needed. Moreover, getting sick sometimes can also help kids to build up their immune system and acquire immunity to certain pathogens. Therefore, parents and caregivers should not be overly worried or protective of their kids, but rather support them to grow healthy and strong.