How fast can germs spread? You’d be surprised

Watch above: Dr. Jennifer Gardy demonstrates how easily germs can spread and discusses her new book, It’s Catching: The Infectious World of Germs and Microbes.

TORONTO – Dr. Jennifer Gardy knows her way around germs.

The senior scientist for the B.C. Centre for Disease Control says germs are all around us. Canadians deal with the seasonal flu, hospital superbugs and the everyday microbes we come into contact with.

And in her new book, It’s Catching: The Infectious World of Germs and Microbes, Gardy educates young readers about disease detection, explaining the difference between common germs and how some microbes are actually good for us.

She told The Morning Show Thursday that the book is meant to be a casual introduction to microbiology aimed at kids between the ages of 8 and 12.

“There’s some grossology in there and some definite cootie action,” she says about the book.

She assures most of the germs around us are friendly and important in developing our immune systems.

“Those friendly microbes are really important as we’re growing up, as our immune systems are developing,” she explains. “Having a childhood where you’ve got dogs licking your face and you’re out there eating dirt is one of the best things you can do to prevent autoimmune diseases later in life.”

As for the ‘5-second rule‘, she says it depends on the surface you drop the food onto. She says smooth surfaces, like countertops, transfer germs easier than a rough surface, such as carpet.

What does she think the one big no-no is? Double-dipping, of course. Watch as she demonstrates in the video above how fast germs spread when someone takes a bite of a chip and then goes for more dip.

WATCH: Dr. Jennifer Gardy explains the key role proper vaccination plays in shaping our modern society