The Germ Survival Guide

The Germ Survival Guide shows how to protect yourself and your family from the ever-present threat of germ-borne disease. Taking its cue from such popular survival guides as The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook, this handy reference lists common life situations in which germs are a threat, shows you how to protect yourself, and tells what to do if you get sick. The Germ Survival Guide lists more than 80 situations in which germs are a potential threat: in your home, in your office, in your children's schools, in public places, and in travel spots in the US and abroad. For each situation, the Guide steers you clear of danger by pinpointing: Why it's a problem and what germs are suspect. Your risk factor, ranked high, medium, and low. Simple preventative and protective measures. Here are the steps you can take to protect yourself from germ-borne illness. What to do if you get sick. Here are the signs and symptoms of illness, steps you should take, and when to call the doctor. Since many germ-borne diseases produce similar symptoms at the outset (e.g., vomiting, fever), a special first aid appendix will show you how to treat them until you get medical help. The Germ Survival Guide also comes equipped with a "Germ Glossary" covering more than 100 germs, including bacteria, viruses, molds, and parasites, listed alphabetically for quick reference. Included here are germs encountered in everyday living in the United States, from the common cold to strep infections, plus rarer strains that have captured public attention or may be encountered in travel abroad, including malaria, cholera, Ebola, and flesh-eating bacteria.