Germs are tiny. You need a microscope to see them.
A virus is one kind of germ. Another kind is called bacteria.
Most of them do not hurt people. Some even help. Only some make people sick.
A cold is caused by a virus. It spreads in tiny drops in the air. It also spreads on things people touch.
They spread when someone coughs or sneezes. They spread when you touch things that have them on.
They can get in through your eyes, nose and mouth. Try not to touch your face with dirty hands.
Wash your hands with soap and water. Scrub for 20 seconds. That is like humming Happy Birthday twice.
Wash before you eat. Wash after you use the toilet. This helps keep you well.
When you cough or sneeze, use a tissue. Cover your mouth and nose. Then throw it away.
Your body has a team to fight them. It is called the immune system.
White blood cells are part of the team. They go after the germs and fight them.
Most colds go away on their own. It takes one to two weeks.
Words to know
- virus: tiny germ
- bacteria: tiny living germs
- immune: germ-fighting
- microscope: tiny-seeing tool
