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Bacteria are alive! They are the simplest form of life known, being made up of only one cell. They occur everywhere - bread, yogurt, dirt, and inside of humans!
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Bacteria occur in all different shapes and sizes - ball shaped called spheres, rod-shaped, and spiral shaped.
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Some bacteria live on the inside of animals like cows. These bacteria allow cows (and other animals that eat grass) to digest the material the grass is made of, called cellulose. Humans don't have the right bacteria, and so we can't eat grass!
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Bacteria that enter human bodies that don't belong there invade human cells, stealing nutrients and releasing poisons. These bacteria can make people sick, can cause skin infections, and are generally very bad for people.
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There are medications that can kill bacteria, which are called antibiotics. Most sickness (sore throats, runny nose, upset stomach) are caused by viruses, which antibiotics won't do anything against. If the doctor decides an illness is caused by bacteria, antibiotics can make the illness shorter, and not as bad.
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The absolute best way to protect against getting sick with bacteria is washing hands, especially after using the restroom.
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Bacteria can even live in food. Properly cooking food is a great way to kill off any bacteria that can live in it. Eating food that isn't cooked well enough can make people really sick.
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How can doctors figure out what bacteria are infecting someone? They take different samples of blood, urine, and other fluids, make whatever is in it grow, and look at it under a microscope. They can even test different antibiotics to see which medicines can kill the bacteria!
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Some bacteria can hide from the immune system, and others can even survive the immune system trying to destroy them. These types of bacteria can only be killed by medications, and sometimes even surgery.
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Bacteria can also cause infections in the skin. Sometimes, if the infection is close to the surface, a doctor can give an antibiotic in an ointment that goes on the skin. Other skin infections are serious enough that an antibiotic that is swallowed has to be taken.
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A good way to prevent spreading bacteria to others is to cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Using a Kleenex is also a good idea, but must be thrown away after use. Make sure to wash hands after coughing or sneezing as well.
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Supplements like zinc and vitamin C support the immune system and can help fight infection.
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