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You can't see them but germs live everywhere. You can come into contact with germs at school, work, day care, and yes - even during play. These invisible creatures have the potential to turn into colds, flus, and other contagious infections, Viral and bacterial infections are spread the same way. When someone coughs or sneezes, contagious respiratory droplets are transported into the air and can be inhaled by someone over 3 feet away. Both viruses and bacteria can live on surfaces such as desktops and door handles for more than 2 hour. These germs are spread when a person touches the contaminated area and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. There is really no way to prevent your child from coming in contact with germs but there are steps you can take to help prevent them from spreading, such as encouraging your child to wash his or her hands after meals and playing with toys. Hand sanitizers are just as effective as soap and water. If your child is sick, keep him or her home from daycare, school, the grocery store, and other public places where he or she could spread the infection.
Viruses, like the common cold or influenza are not alive and must invade living cells to grow. The body’s own immune system must fight off the virus or let it run its course. Viral infections are usually accompanied by multiple symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, congestion, vomiting and diarrhea.
Bacteria are living organisms and can be found everywhere. There are times when the body’s immune system may not be able to fight off a bacterial infection. Antibiotics work to kill the bacteria by stopping its growth. Bacterial infections often go together with pain, aches, or sore areas of the body.
Both viral and bacterial infections are spread the same way:
- Sneezing/coughing
- Shaking hands
- Touching food with dirty hands
- Contact with body fluids such as blood and saliva
There is really no way to prevent your child from coming in contact with germs, but there are steps you can take to help prevent them from spreading. Encourage your child to wash his or her hands after meals and snacks and playing with toys. Hand sanitizers are just as effective as soap and water. If your child is sick, keep him or her home from daycare, school, grocery stores and other public places.
A thorough examination by your child’s doctor will be helpful in distinguishing between viral and bacterial infections.
Contact your child’s physician anytime you have questions about your child’s health.
