Why do germs make us sick

The incidence of disease among those infected varies greatly depending on the particular pathogen and individual susceptibility.

Many of the symptoms that make a person suffer during an infection—fever, malaise, headache, rash—result from the activities of the immune system trying to eliminate the infection from the body. In response to infection, your immune system springs into action. White blood cells , antibodies , and other mechanisms go to work to rid your body of the foreign invader. Indeed, many of the symptoms that make a person suffer during an infection—fever, malaise, headache, rash—result from the activities of the immune system trying to eliminate the infection from the body.

Pathogenic microbes challenge the immune system in many ways. Viruses make us sick by killing cells or disrupting cell function. Many bacteria make us sick in the same way that viruses do, but they also have other strategies at their disposal. Sometimes bacteria multiply so rapidly they crowd out host tissues and disrupt normal function. Watch and learn exactly how a virus attacks and how a human body responds.

What can we do to protect ourselves? What parallels do you see with how the Ebola virus is affecting the global community? Not sure what to believe about Ebola? This article at National Geographic can help you separate fact from fiction.

Viral replication! How many different rhino viruses exist? Viruses make copies of themselves, learn how in this video. Replication is a part of why viruses are so successful. How could we use this characteristic against the viruses themselves to protect the human race?

Get vaccinated, wash your hands, and avoid close contact! Germs spread very easily, sometimes without thinking we inadvertently open ourselves up to exposure. Visit the Center for Disease Control website and learn how to decrease the spread of germs.

Surf the CDC website and learn more about the global ebola outbreak, traveling safely and healthy living. Learn why in this Mythbusters: Art of the Sneeze! You will never look at a sneeze the same way! Learn about the physics and math of a sneeze. Do the things we use to deter spreading the effects of a sneeze really help? As a reminder for flu and cold season, watch this PSA about stopping the spread of germs.

Click here for testing options. They are nasty little creatures that can make us all very sick. Germs lie in wait on surfaces, having been left there by something or someone that is infected. Our hands come in contact with the surface and we then touch our eye, mouth or nose, allowing the germs to enter our bodies, making us ill.

So what are we to do? Washing our hands with regular soap under warm running water is one of the best ways to prevent illness and the spread of germs to others. The U. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following steps:. Hand washing is one of the best ways to keep yourself from getting being sick. It is especially helpful during cold and flu season when we are more likely to be around others who are spreading germs.