Only a few germs can start an infection, especially if inhaled into the lungs. Buildings and bunkers can trap them thus causing a higher concentration. Germs do not affect the body immediately. Incubation periods vary from several hours to several months, depending on the germ. Weather conditions such as wind, rain, cold, and sunlight rapidly kill germs.
Some germs can form protective shells, or spores, to allow survival outside the host.
Fortunately, most live agents are not spore-producing. These agents must find a host within roughly a day of their delivery or they die. Symptoms of infection vary according to the disease. Toxins Toxins are substances that plants, animals, or germs produce naturally. These toxins are what actually harm man, not bacteria.