what are germs?some bacteria are good for our bodies _they help keep the digestive system working properly and keep harmful bacteria from moving in some bacteria are used to produce medicines and vaccines bacteria can cause trouble, too as with cavities, or sore throat, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections viruses: cannot survive, grow and multiply.hard washing is the single most important thing you can do to prevent germs from leading to infections and sickness bacteria: are tiny bodies that get nutrients from their environments.the/ term refers to the tiny bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases.