Protecting Kids from Germs

Microbiology is all about studying tiny organisms, often called ‘germs’, which can cause illnesses. The main ones parents worry about for children are bacteria and viruses.
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled life forms that can survive and multiply independently. While some bacteria help us stay healthy by aiding digestion and producing medicines, others can make us sick. If your child has a bacterial infection, doctors usually treat it with antibiotics.

However, it's crucial to use antibiotics correctly because overusing them can make bacteria resistant, making them harder to treat.

Viruses are different - they lack the structures needed for independent survival and must invade our cells to reproduce. Since antibiotics don’t work on viral infections like the flu and the common cold, recovery relies on rest, fluids, and sometimes vaccines for prevention. Vaccines are available for some viral infections, such as measles and chickenpox.

Most illnesses in children are viral and usually resolve as the immune system fights off the infection. Although some viruses can make children feel very unwell, they’re generally not severe. Not every fever or runny nose indicates a bacterial infection needing antibiotics. For example, green mucus often results from a cold, and cold weather doesn’t cause illness on its own.

Some of the commonly-observed viruses are:

If your child is very sick, seems lethargic, or has a high fever lasting more than a few days, it’s best to consult with our pediatric specialists. We can help determine if it’s a viral illness that needs to run its course or if a secondary bacterial infection is present that may require treatment.