Bacterial and viral infections are among the most common causes of illnesses in the world. That’s why it’s important for moms like you to know about these.

Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled living organisms that can multiply by themselves. They’re everywhere! They can live in different environments, such as in very cold or very hot places. They can be found inside and outside our bodies. Most bacteria are harmless, or even useful (think yogurt!), but some can be very dangerous. You may get bacterial infection through an open wound, exposure to an infected person, exposure to the feces of an infected person, or by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. Harmful bacteria cause tuberculosis, e.coli, syphilis, and urinary tract infection.

Viruses

Viruses are much smaller than bacteria. A virus is not a living organism, and it needs a healthy cell to survive. It makes many copies of itself by invading and “rewiring” the healthy cell. Once the healthy cell loses its usefulness, the virus moves on to infect other healthy cells. Most viruses are not helpful—all they want is to create more viruses to ensure that their genetic make-up (or DNA) survives. Dangerous viruses spread in the same way bacteria spread, plus, a virus can be transmitted via animal or insect bites or via exchange of infected bodily fluids. Harmful viruses include common colds, measles, dengue, rabies, ebola and HIV.

Treatment

Bacterial infections may be treated with antibacterial medicines or antibiotics. As for viruses, there are only very few antiviral medicines, and they don’t always work 100% of the time. Minor viral illnesses usually require the body to strengthen its defense to overcome the virus, so sometimes you just have to let the virus run its course.

Precaution

There are many ways for your child to avoid bacterial and viral infections.

• Remind your child to frequently wash his hands in school. While he is scrubbing, ask him to sing “Happy Birthday” twice before rinsing to ensure proper cleansing and scrubbing. Or, give him a handy sanitizer for him to bring to school.
• Teach your child to avoid touching his nose, eyes and mouth.
• Remind your child not to share utensils with his classmates.
• Make sure the food you give your child is prepared properly, and do not spoil easily.
• Give your child a bath every day. This washes away whatever bacteria or virus that clung on his skin.
• Boost your little one’s immunity foundation with a balanced diet, enough rest, ample exercise, and the right vitamins.
• Make sure that your child is immunized, as most bacterial and viral illness are vaccine preventable.