Germs for Kids | Learn all about bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa

Germs are everywhere. They are often responsible for making people sick. They're so small, you can only see them with a microscope. In Germs for Kids, you and will learn all about the four types of germs that exist in the word: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Let's see what you already know and what you will learn throughout the video!Show more

The first type is bacteria. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that live inside and outside of you body. They can cause ear infections, sore throats, cavities, and more. Not all bacteria are bad, though. In fact, there is lots of good bacteria in some of the food we eat, and our bodies need good germs to help use up the nutrients we ingest. Doctors even use good bacteria to create medicines and vaccines.

Viruses, on the other hand, are all bad. Some examples include chicken pox, the flu, and the measles. Viruses like to invade healthy cells and multiply as the host cell multiplies. Because our bodies have so many cells, there are lots of places for viruses to invade. When we get sick from a virus, we can get what's called a vaccine or immunization to help fight it.

The next type of germ is fungi. A fungus is like a plant and actually consists of many cells rather than just one. Fungi like to live in warm and wet places, such as between a person’s toes. Many fungi don’t cause problems for healthy people. Examples include athlete’s foot, skin infections, and other rashes. Some fungal infections are contagious and can pass from one person to another.

The last type of germ is a protozoa. Like fungi, protozoa live in wet places. And like bacteria and viruses, they also have only one cell. Many live in the water, which is how they spread diseases and infections. Water that is not safe to drink may contain protozoa. These germs can lead to stomach aches, diarrhea, and nausea. The video explains lots of ways to help stop the spread of germs. Keep watching to find out!