Bacteria grow in very diverse conditions, which explains why they are found nearly everywhere on Earth. Although bacteria are good at adapting to their environments, certain conditions promote bacterial growth more than others. These conditions include temperature, moisture, pH and environmental oxygen.

Home humidifiers add moisture to the air and help counteract the effects of dry winter heat. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, humidifiers can ease dry sinuses, itchy eyes or skin and even protect your furniture and finishes from damage.

Staph infections occur when staphylococcus bacteria, which normally live on the skin or in the nose, get into the bloodstream and attack other organs, causing diseases like pneumonia, endocarditis, impetigo, blood poisoning, boils and toxic shock syndrome.

Bronchial infection, more commonly referred to as bronchitis, is a form of viral infection. The virus attacks the bronchial tubes that lead to the airway, inflaming them and making it hard to breathe.

Fifth disease has been called slapped cheek disease because of the unmistakable redness on the face of children. If your child has a cough and pink cheeks, this virus is likely the culprit causing your child’s mild discomfort.

Toddlers can get colds and infections that cause coughing and congestion. A wet, or mucus-filled, cough can produce phlegm in toddlers. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that there is no evidence that milk will worsen mucus in toddlers or anyone else.

Gum infection, or periodontitis, is an infection of the soft tissues and bones that support the teeth and can lead to tooth loss, increased risk of heart attack or stroke and other serious health problems. Poor oral hygiene is the most important cause for the disease.

Saline nasal spray is used to moisturize nasal passages and/or remove mucus blockage. Saline nasal sprays can also help loosen mucus in an infant or child who is too young to blow his nose. This non-medicated solution can be used in a few simple steps.

Whether you've been treated recently for a bacterial infection, or have been consuming large quantities of animal products, you likely have residual antibiotics in your system.

Candida glabrata is a relatively non-pathogenic fungus that is part of the normal flora of many healthy individuals. However, the recent widespread use of immunosuppressive and antifungal drugs has lead to an increase in the number of infections caused by C. glabrata.

Mammals are the only natural vectors for the deadly virus rabies. The disease is spread among mammals through the saliva and typically associated with a bite.

Staphylococci--commonly called staph--cause a variety of human infections, including boils, skin infections (cellulitis), food poisoning, pneumonia, bone and blood stream infections and toxic shock syndrome. One species of staphylococci called Staphylococcus aureus, or S. aureus, causes most human infections.