Germs, including viruses, bacteria, or fungi, are tiny microorganisms that are usually invisible to the naked eye. They live on our skin, on our mucous membranes, and in our intestines and are transmitted by droplets, such as through coughing or sneezing, or by physical contact.
The question of whether germs on and in our bodies are healthy or harmful is not so easy to answer.
On the one hand, they form an important component, without which the functions of our body would not work. An example of this is the gut flora, which consists of many different bacteria and fungi. If these germs were not present, the digestive process would not function. If one type of germ predominates, for example, fungi, the condition changes, and this can also lead to dysfunction and concomitant diseases.
The vegetation of germs is also essential for many foods. Wine or beer production would not be possible without the corresponding bacteria.
On the other hand, viruses can have negative effects on our health. For example, the flu is triggered by the transmission of germs in the form of viruses. Since the human eye cannot detect these tiny microorganisms, an infection is usually only noticed through the first symptoms.
The period between infection and the onset of the first symptoms is called the incubation period. The duration depends on which bacterium is at work and is usually a few days. It is determined by the speed of germ spread in the body.
People with a weak immune system are particularly at risk from bacterial infections, as the body needs a lot of strength to fight them. This risk group includes particularly elderly or sick people and infants.
Once infected, the most common method of combating is antibiotics. The only problem is that the body develops resistance in the long run, so the medication loses its effectiveness if used too frequently. Therefore, this method should only be used if other solutions are excluded. Natural medicine offers more body-friendly alternatives.
Of course, it is best to protect yourself from viral infection in advance. Avoiding touching stair railings and handles on buses and trains significantly reduces your risk. In general, good hand hygiene, for example, through proper washing and disinfection, is an important prerequisite for effective protection. This also includes the removal of calluses on the hands and feet, as the thick, impermeable skin provides a suitable breeding ground for all kinds of germs. If it is removed before it can be infected by germs, one protects oneself sustainably from the outbreak of a disease.
Calluses on the hands and feet occur when dead skin cells accumulate that cannot be naturally shed, as is the case with healthy skin. If the callus is discolored, this is a sign of an existing germ infestation, so even disinfection is no longer helpful. The removal of the callus is then the only way to avoid further negative effects.
