How can germs affect you?

Pathogens invade body cells for reproduction. This kills the cells, leading to inflammation as well as an immune response. Fever is the result of body temperature increasing to flush out bacteria. Some germs are worse than others.

There is a difference between viruses and bacteria.

Virus - a parasite that invades body for survival but is unaffected by antibiotics. It is usually dormant, but awakens in the presence of living tissue.

Bacteria - always alive; searches for living tissue in which it reproduces and gains energy.