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Germs and Hygiene
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Skin Hair Nails

Germs and Hygiene

Germs are microorganisms found everywhere in our environment, and practicing good hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

What are germs?

Germs are microorganisms. This means that they can be seen only through a microscope. They can be found everywhere - in the air, soil, and water. There are also germs on your skin and in your body. Many germs live in and on our bodies without causing harm. Some even help us to stay healthy. But some germs can make you sick. Infectious diseases are diseases that are caused by germs.

The main types of germs are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

How do germs spread?

There are different ways that germs can spread, including:

  • Through touching a person who has the germs or making other close contact with them, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing cups or eating utensils
  • Through breathing air after a person with the germs coughs or sneezes
  • Through touching the feces (poop) of someone who has the germs, such as changing diapers, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
  • Through touching objects and surfaces that have germs on them, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
  • From mother to baby during pregnancy and/or childbirth
  • From insect or animal bites
  • From contaminated food, water, soil, or plants

How can I protect myself and others from germs?

You can help protect yourself and others from germs:

  • When you have to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow
  • Wash your hands well and often. You should scrub them for at least 20 seconds. It is important to do this when you are most likely to get and spread germs:
    • Before, during, and after preparing food
    • Before eating food
    • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
    • Before and after treating a cut or wound
    • After using the toilet
    • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
    • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
    • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
    • After handling pet food or pet treats
    • After touching garbage
  • If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Practice food safety when handling, cooking, and storing food
  • Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects

Frequently Asked Questions

General guidelines suggest staying home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. For gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus, you should remain home until vomiting and diarrhea have resolved for at least 24 hours. Returning too early risks spreading the infection to coworkers or classmates, as many people are contagious before symptoms appear or shortly after they resolve.
For general handwashing, regular soap and water are just as effective as antibacterial soaps at removing germs. The CDC and FDA recommend using plain soap for daily hygiene because antibacterial ingredients like triclosan have not been shown to be better than plain soap and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Antibacterial products are generally reserved for specific medical settings or when dealing with known bacterial contaminants, not for routine home or office use.
Survival time varies by germ type and environmental conditions. Influenza viruses can remain infectious on hard surfaces for up to 24 to 48 hours, while norovirus, which causes stomach flu, can survive for days or even weeks on surfaces like stainless steel and plastic. This is why regular disinfection of high-touch areas with EPA-registered disinfectants is crucial, not just wiping with water or soap, which may not kill the pathogens.
Wet your hands with warm water and apply soap. Lather by rubbing your hands together, ensuring you scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Continue scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, which is roughly the time it takes to hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice. Rinse thoroughly under running water and dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer. Drying is essential because wet hands transfer germs more easily than dry hands.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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