Germs are everywhere. Some are harmless, but some can make you sick. Infectious diseases are diseases that are caused by germs. These germs can be transimitted by direct contact with a sick person (touching, sharing food/drinks, kissing, sexual contact, coughing, etc.); indirect contact (e.g. touching a door handle after a sick person has coughed into their hand and touched the handle); through contaminated food, water, soil, and plants; and though animal bites.
What can you do to help keep yourself safe?
- Get vaccinated
- Wash your hands often
- Pay attention to food safety
- Avoid contact with wild animals
- Practice safe sex
- Don't share items such as toothbrushes, combs, and straws
For more information visit the National Institutes for Health or the following topic pages: