Infections come from three kinds of troublemakers: bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Let’s dive into their personalities:
Bacteria – The Simple, Innocent Types
Bacteria are everywhere: on your skin, in your gut, even in the air. Most bacteria are harmless or even helpful, like the ones in your stomach that help digest food or those that make cheese and yogurt. These microbes are simple, hardworking folks just trying to get by. But sometimes, they get into the wrong place (like a wound), or get out of balance with too many of one type causing causing a riot. When this happens, we need to get them back into a happy healthy balance.
Fungi – The Laid-Back Hippies
Fungi are a bit spaced out. They’re nature’s recyclers, breaking down dead plants and animals. Most are harmless and even helpful—like the ones that make bread rise or create penicillin. But sometimes, they get too cozy, especially in warm, damp places. They’re chill but can spread, become too many and overstay their welcome without proper care.
Viruses – The Selfish Troublemakers
Viruses are small but mighty nuisances, with one goal: to take over your cells and use them to make more viruses. They don’t care if they hurt you—they’re all about survival. Viruses cause illnesses like the flu, colds, and even chickenpox. Since antibiotics don’t work on them, your immune system has to kick them out or vaccines step in to help.