About Children Know All the Germs Types and Proceed

Jan 28, 09:17 PM

If that isn't bad enough, from time to time the media bring up the fear of biological warfare. Add to all of that the debate over vaccinations and you have parents saying, "What should I do?"

Know your germs. There are four, some say five, basic "germ" types. Viruses -- the most common cause of human infections -- are tiny particles of RNA (Ribonucleic acid) or DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) encased in a protein or protein and lipid (fat) capsule. They are only complex enough to survive and replicate themselves, and, of course, make you miserable when you are infected.

Viruses cause respiratory illnesses, skin infections (rashes such as chickenpox), gastrointestinal problems (stomach flu) and sometimes life threatening, fatal infections -- HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus.

Next are bacteria -- a life form on earth for more than 2 billion years ,according to some scientists. Each bacterium is a single- cell organism. Bacteria cause respiratory illnesses, skin infections (staph and strep), urinary tract infections and can lead to life- threatening systemic infections. Bacteria have been found in everything from humans to glaciers to geysers in national parks. In other words, there is no cleaning product, no human house cleaner, so thorough as to erase bacteria.

Fungi are a step up from the viruses and bacteria. While still single-cell organism, the fungi cell is compartmentalized, or organized, within the cell. One cell fungi are called yeasts and multi-cellular fungi are called molds. Fungi cause many respiratory illnesses and are a common cause of skin and mucous membrane infections.

Parasites, as used in the germ sense, means either a one-celled protozoa or helminths (worms). These parasites are introduced through ingestion (eating or drinking something contaminated with them) or penetrating the skin (through a cut or sore or from a mosquito or fly bite).

Some scientists consider a fifth type of germs. They are the small insects that infest primarily children -- head lice and scabies, as well as bed bugs. All of these germs cause physical discomfort, but are not life threatening and can often be taken care of by treatment with over-the-counter medications.

Part of keeping your child safe is simply common sense and basic hygiene. Add to that a realization that sooner or later all children will get sick and it's no one's fault. Finally, don't become paranoid about germs to the point of interference with daily living; let your child be a child.

Mom was right -- wash your hands. Hand to nose/mouth to hand is still one of the most common ways to spread germs. Liquid hand sanitizers are a must. Some people won't use these for fear they will offend others. I'd rather offend them than give them my sinus infection.

Make sure your child is appropriately dressed. A chilled or overheated body is a stressed body and a stressed body is more susceptible to infection. Contrary to folklore, cold weather does not "kill all the bad germs." Bacteria and viruses do not just float in warm air and randomly select a person to infect. They live on and in "hosts" -- such as you, your neighbors and the child who sits next to yours in class.

Make sure your child's environment and clothing are clean. Wash bedding weekly. But do not go overboard. Do not make them change clothes every time they come in from the outside. Believe it or not, there are parents who make their children change clothes completely if they just go out on the porch to talk to a friend.

Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating. Even fruits and vegetables that appear clean may have only been lightly rinsed.

Wash all cuts, scrapes, scratches and other skin wounds with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment and a Band-aid.

Next week: Fighting germs and germ paranoia.

Bev Theil is a child advocate in Wayne and Holmes counties. She can be contacted at BeverlyVT@aol.com.

(c) 2008 Daily Record, The Wooster, OH. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved. About Children Know All the Germs Types and Proceed
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