What do germs do?

Harmful germs or bacteria can do a lot of damage. Without proper hygienic practice and care, they can cause sickness, infections and illnesses.

Here are some of the common ones:

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Staphylococcus aureus

Many strains of this bacterium produce toxins, some of which are responsible for food poisoning. In certain situations Staphylococcus aureus can also cause boils, impetigo, meningitis, pneumonia, mastitis and toxic shock syndrome. MRSA is a particular strain of Staphylococcus aureus which is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. The inability to treat MRSA can lead to more serious complications and even death.

Germ Warfare

A whole host of germs can cause illnesses and infections simply because other factors allow the germ to enter or multiply within the body without being challenged. Your immune system is your personal defence force against germs. When compromised because you are ill, or for very young or elderly people whose immune systems don’t work fully, the defences can easily be overwhelmed.

The best barrier to infection is your skin - but if this is breached, for instance during an operation, germs can get into the body and cause infection.