Question 1

4 ways the body protects itself from invading germs?

Accepted Answer

Several: The skin provides a major defense,  the Kidneys can filter out toxic substances, the lungs can filter the air we breath, but by far the Immune system is our major defense against germs.  See the following link for some info:

http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/biology-of-infectious-disease/defenses-against-infection

Question 2

do gloves protect from germs / chemicals if you feel the outside getting wet and slightly damp on inside of gloves?

Accepted Answer

Penetration: Depends on the materials the gloves are made of and what they are exposed too. Some materials are permeable to certain substances so need to check what the glove manufacturer says. Remember also that often some gloves may trap moisture released from your skin thus the damp feeling despite the fact that nothing may have penetrated the glove but may be your body’s own moisture.

Question 3

do masks only stop my germs from getting out, and not other germs from getting in my body? if so, how can we stay safe from other people in the pandemic?

Accepted Answer

: Unclear exactly what you mean by “masks” and what you mean by “germs”. “Masks may be surgical maskserms = bacteria, virus fungus. Need the drama GC, procedure mask, N-95. All different levels of protection

Question 4

i keep buying super heavy duty water proof band aids because i'm so scared of germs, but are regular band aids good enough to protect cuts?

Accepted Answer

Scared of germs: My guess is that regular is better as more air may get to cut. Being scared of germs is a worry as you cannot avoid them and many are good germs.  The most extreme case I have seen was a PHD who put all of his mail under a sterilizing UV lamp for at least a day before opening. Mans never used a door handl. Only fruit he would ear was a banana he would peel himself.

Question 5

what is the point of the human body getting a fever when you have a cold? is the fevers purpose to kill off the germs?

Accepted Answer

Fever: Great question. There is substantial evidence to suggest that some infections in which fever occurs are limited because the causative organisms do not tolerate the increase in temperature well. Fever is very non-specific and is simply a response to cytokines released by cells responding to inflammation, or an imbalance of temperature generation with inadequate loss of temp thru sweating, etc.

Question 6

family member who visited today has a fever. will my breastmilk protect my 2.5 month old from getting sick if we were exposed to any germs?

Accepted Answer

Might! : You are absolutely correct in your hunch that breastfeeding may help prevent baby from getting sich with this exposure.  Breastfed babies have lower incidence of both viruses and serious bacterial illness.  That said, keep an eye on her this next week. It would not be shocking for her to develop symptoms of a viral illness.  I hope she has had her first set of shots! If not get them tomorrow!

Question 7

how long do stomach bug germs live outside the body?

Accepted Answer

Most > 24hr : The enteroviruses (gut viruses) are a diverse group known to cause a variety of GI disturbances . They are easily passed in the saliva during the early stages of the illness & end up on door handles & banisters & other objects where they pass to the next victim.Their survival for at least 24hrs is common.

Question 8

diagnosed fibromyalgia, but suddenly feel body aches day after visiting doctor. coincidence, or possibly exposed to others germs while there?

Accepted Answer

Fibromyalgia ?Germs: No, Fibromyalgia is not shown to be secondary to infection. Fibromyalgia is chronic and can have relapses and good days on a frequent basis.  But there is no evidence that "germs" cause it.  Nisha

Question 9

night sweats after flu, normal way of body clearing out extra germs from the illness? been having sweats for 2 nights. only after my fever was gone?

Accepted Answer

Fever/night sweats: Are part of body's response to infection. Immune response is improved at higher body temperature. You might still be spiking temps while having night sweats.

Question 10

does hand sanitizer actually work? where do all the germs go after using it, and will it actually protect me against covid-19?

Accepted Answer

It actually works: As does washing your hands with soap and water. All the germs die after using it, so they become harmless. Sanitizer and washing your hands will help protect you, but you can still catch COVID-19 through your mouth and nose and inhaled into the lungs. Social distance and quarantine as needed.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Ways of how the body protects itself of invading germ

A member asked:

4 ways the body protects itself from invading germs?

A member asked:

Do gloves protect from germs / chemicals if you feel the outside getting wet and slightly damp on inside of gloves?

A member asked:

Do masks only stop my germs from getting out, and not other germs from getting in my body? if so, how can we stay safe from other people in the pandemic?

A member asked:

I keep buying super heavy duty water proof band aids because i'm so scared of germs, but are regular band aids good enough to protect cuts?

A member asked:

What is the point of the human body getting a fever when you have a cold? is the fevers purpose to kill off the germs?

A member asked:

Family member who visited today has a fever. will my breastmilk protect my 2.5 month old from getting sick if we were exposed to any germs?

A member asked:

How long do stomach bug germs live outside the body?

A member asked:

Diagnosed fibromyalgia, but suddenly feel body aches day after visiting doctor. coincidence, or possibly exposed to others germs while there?

A member asked:

Night sweats after flu, normal way of body clearing out extra germs from the illness? been having sweats for 2 nights. only after my fever was gone?

A member asked:

Does hand sanitizer actually work? where do all the germs go after using it, and will it actually protect me against covid-19?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?