When Germs Will Not Harm Anyone

Germs, or microorganisms, are essential to life. they make up a considerable portion of earth's soil and of our own bodies. As the box "Kinds of Germs," on page 7, notes, "bacteria inhabit our bodies by the trillions." Most of these are beneficial - in fact, vital - to health. Although only relatively few cause disease, we can be confident that, in time, no germs will harm anyone.

Before we examine the means by which all harmful effects of germs will be eliminated, let's consider current efforts to combat disease-causing germs. Besides examining the accompanying box"What You Can Do," consider the efforts of health professionals to combat resistant germs.

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