Germs & Bacteria

Everyday items can host more germs and bacteria than you might expect. Learn the places in your home where the most germs live and good practices to help prevent the spread of bacteria and keep you and your family healthy. Click for more videos on where germs live and how to protect against them:

Gas pumps top breeding ground for germs.

Germs: Understand and protect against
bacteria, viruses, and infection.

Germs live everywhere. You can find germs (microbes) in the air; on food, plants and animals; in
soil and water — and on just about every other surface, including your body.
Most germs won't harm you. Your immune system protects you against infectious agents.
However, some germs are difficult enemies because they're constantly mutating to breach your
immune system's defenses. Knowing how germs work can increase your chances of avoiding
infection.
Infectious agents come in many shapes and sizes. Categories include:
Bacteria
Viruses
Fungi
Protozoans
Helminths