VITALS

Don’t know the difference between a microbe and a germ? Here’s a handy guide:

* “Germ” is a generic term for nasty microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. “Microbe” is another word for “germ.”

* Antibacterial and antimicrobial products inhibit the growth of bacteria. The terms are used interchangeably.

* Viruses are the microorganisms that cause colds and flu. Antibacterial products don’t inhibit viruses, just as antibiotics don’t help when you have a cold.

* A disinfectant is any product that gets rid of viruses, bacteria and other germs that cause infection.

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Source: Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource, July 1998