This comprehensive text starts with the premise that we are too preoccupied with germ eradication – we buy antiseptic soaps and ‘hospital strength’ cleaning products, and demand antibiotics for infections that are viral or that our immune systems will eradicate on their own. As a result we spend unnecessary money, damage the environment, and (worst of all) are creating microbes resistant to all the drugs we have.
The chapters are broken down into vectors of potential infection (food, water, pets, public places), kinds of bugs (STD’s, colds and flu’s), and reducing risk (hand washing/toilet training, laundry aids, “fresh air and sunshine”, antiseptic products). Each area is then discussed – what the microbes are, what they do, how they’re transmitted, how transmission can be prevented. Most of the advice boils down to: always wash your hands well; always follow food preparation and storage guidelines; use hot soapy water to clean, then wash out the sponge and allow to dry; vaccinations have revolutionised the containments of formerly devastating disease but pools of contagion are deepening thanks to decreased uptake of vaccinations; and antibiotics need to be more cautiously prescribed.
Though - as the author acknowledges - the advice is repetitive, the book is fresh and interesting, and a valuable read for people who are concerned about germs. For those few who are phobic, and for the many who are swayed by advertising and current events programming, to be fearful of the evil bugs that lurk in supermarket trolleys, the knowledge that you only need hot, soapy water and a little vinegar will hopefully ease both mind and wallet. I say again - there is no need for 'hospital strength' laundry powder, surface wipes or toilet cleaner! - Alex
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