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This resource is intended as an informative and engaging educational aide.

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You must inform your students that they should not rely on the information
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 Aim
CfE Experiences and Outcomes

Success Criteria
I know the symptoms of some common diseases caused by germs. I can explain how
they are spread and discuss how some methods of preventing and treating disease
benefit society. SCN 1-13a
Germs
Germs are tiny organisms that can only be seen through a microscope. Many
germs can cause diseases that make us sick.

There are four main types of germs:

bacteria
fungi
viruses
Protozoa
 Influenza (flu)
Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a virus that is easily spread
through coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms:
•A high temperature of around 38°C and above
•Feeling tired and weak
•Headache
•Chesty cough
•Aches and pains
•Runny nose
•Sore throat
Influenza (Flu)
Treatment:
•Get lots of rest.
•Drink plenty of water.
•Take pain killers to relieve aches and
pains.

Prevention:
•Wash your hands regularly.
•Make sure surfaces are clean.
•Use a tissue to cover your mouth and
nose when you cough and sneeze.
•Take time off work or school if you
have flu.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a virus that spreads easily from person to person. It is spread
through coughs and sneezes and coming into contact with objects that have been
touched by a person with the illness.

Symptoms:
•A high temperature of over 38°C
•Feeling sick
•An itchy, red, spotty rash
•Loss of appetite
•Painful muscles
•Headache
Chickenpox
Treatment:
•Take a painkiller to relieve pain.
•Use a cooling gel or cream to ease the itching.
•Tap or pat skin rather than scratch it, as it can scar.
•Drink plenty of water.

Prevention:
•Clean surfaces regularly.
•Stay off work or school until the rash scabs over.
•A vaccination is available for certain people who could
become seriously ill if they get chickenpox.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria infecting the skin. It can be
spread from person to person through sharing infected towels or through direct
skin-to-skin contact.

Symptoms:
•Red sores around the mouth and nose
•Itchy skin
•Blisters on the chest, arms and legs
•Fever
•Swollen glands
Impetigo
Treatment:
•Take antibiotics to fight off the bacteria.
•Apply antibiotic cream to infected areas.

Prevention:
•Don’t share towels or bedding with anyone who
has impetigo.
•Wash hands regularly.
•Wash any contaminated objects.
•Try to cover up sores to prevent spreading the
bacteria.
Research Challenge
Search the NHS website for more
common diseases caused by germs. List
the symptoms, treatments and
preventions for the illnesses you have
found. You could create a class
encyclopaedia of common diseases.