The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu: Guerilla Tactics to Keep Yourself Healthy at Home, at Work and in the World [Paperback]

Allison Janse (Author), Ph.D. Charles Gerba (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2005

Just in time for cold and flu season comes this fun, funny and imminently practical guide to the fine art of germ avoidance.

Admit it, you either are one or you know one: a person who prefers the scent of Purell to perfume, hates public restroom toilets and pushes elevator buttons with their elbow. In a word (well, two), a "Germ Freak." Well guess what—they're right!

In the bestselling tradition of the The Paranoid's Pocket Guide and The Worst Case Scenario Handbook, Allison Janse—a committed Germ Freak—gives readers the lowdown on how to avoid the common cold and survive flu season with your health and sanity intact. This is the practical information your doctor won't give you (they always say not to worry and may be giving you the latest bug by not washing their hands when they examine you!), but which you're almost literally dying to know, such as:

• How clean is my office desk? (In terms of germs, it's better to eat off a toilet seat)
• Do I have to shake that snotty person's hand? (The new etiquette says no)
• Are my hygiene products killing me? (No, but some increase your risk of illness)
• How do I get out of a public restroom without contamination? (Here's a five-step plan)
• What is the best way to wash my hands? (You have two detailed options)
• Am I the only germ freak in America? (Don't worry, 48% of women either use the toilet guard or make their own)
• Why didn't anyone tell me about The New Respiratory Etiquette? (Yes, it's real, and it's specifically designed for Germ Freaks just like you)

Germ Freaks unite! This book will help unenlightened germspreaders get a clue…or at least a HandiWipe…and prove to the world that, in the end, it's far better to be safe than sorry.

Are You a Germfreak? Some Ways to Tell

• Your exit strategy from a public bathroom rivals an NFL playbook
• Your family and friends think Purell is your scent
• You check elevator riders for anyone who is sniffling and opt for the stairs— even though you're going to the Penthouse
• You turn all public bathroom faucets with a piece of tissue
• You avoid buffets that don't have 10-foot-high GermGuard barriers
• You think BYOB means bring your own bathroom hand towels
• You only go to afternoon (or really bad) movies because they're less crowded

If you answered yes to any one of these questions, you're on your way to becoming a Germ freak.

If you answered yes to two or more, congratulations, you're a full-fledged freak.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Freelance writer, editor and confessed "germ freak" Janse takes readers on a frequently funny tour through the germ-ridden underbellies of life—from health club showers to hotel suites—dishing the dirt, as it were, on what we're likely to "catch" where. Some of her advice seems panicky, like the suggestion to exit a public restroom stall immediately after flushing, since "fecal matter" can fly 20 feet into the air when flushed ("Better to Flush and Rush than Feel the Gush"). But Janse also imparts some everyday useful information, such as the fact that loofah sponges breed deadly bacteria (bleach them weekly) and that pricey vegetable washes aren't as good as hot water and a scrub brush for removing pesticides. Still, while Janse's handbook is thorough and witty, its audience may be limited. Much of the information will interest only the seriously germ-phobic; others probably don't care enough about the germs on their money to want to part with $12. Yet Janse is so amusing, one can't help cheering for her book, just so we can be assured of another, hopefully on a more universal topic. (Sept.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

If you hate public restrooms, touching elevator buttons or doorknobs, and go through Purell like a house afire, then GERM FREAK'S GUIDE TO OUTWITTING COLDS AND FLU: GUERILLA TACTICS TO KEEP YOURSELF HEALTHY AT HOME, AT WORK AND IN THE WORLD defines you. Humor and practical health-maintaining habits blend in a guide which identifies just where the germs hang out, how they're passed, and how to avoid them.

(Midwest Book Review )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: Health Communications,Inc. (September 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0757303277
• ISBN-13: 978-0757303272
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #231,276 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Doctor approved!, October 11, 2005

By 

K. A. Larson (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu: Guerilla Tactics to Keep Yourself Healthy at Home, at Work and in the World (Paperback)

My husband (a general surgeon) and I read this book on a recent trip to Texas and not only was it a fun read but a very informative one too! It's definitely an eye-opener and as parents of a 4-year old son (we can't afford to get sick!) we feel it's a must read for anyone with small children. One thing is for sure, after reading this book you'll never look at airplane blankets, hotel room comforters or department store makeup displays the same way again! You'll also be more inclined to take small steps like washing out your water bottle with soap before refilling it. Considering a cold or flu can set you back for weeks (or more!) when it only takes about 30 seconds to put into action the recommendations made in this book I couldn't agree more with the authors that I would much rather be safe than sick!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Many good ideas!, January 22, 2006

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu: Guerilla Tactics to Keep Yourself Healthy at Home, at Work and in the World (Paperback)

As the world grows smaller and disease severity increases, it is the optimum time for a book such as The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu. How does one stay healthy in the workplace, traveling and shopping? This book tells you how.

The book is divided into three parts.

1) Germ Freak Basics covers how-to tips to avoid getting sick. It offers such suggestions as always using a tissue to open doors, push elevator buttons or turn on water faucets, remembering to discard the tissue after each use.

2) This section looks at all the situations in which you may encounter germs and how to avoid them, from grocery shopping (shop off hours to avoid crowds, carry disinfectant wipes to clean cart handle); using a public restroom (use the first stall--it is the cleanest); to working out (disinfect or sanitize machines before use).

3) Part 3 looks at the best ways to keep your babies and children healthy (do not let anyone but family hold babies, never let children go into the ball pit play spaces).

Also included are many other informative and fun snippets and sections. "Gotta Haves" are inventions and products that are available to the average germ freak such as the Wakmah, a multipurpose plastic sucker that can be used to open doors or hold onto in subways, or the disposable Table Topper Stay-in-Place Table Mats to take to restaurants.

"Over the Top" gives various germ-preventing scenarios and rates them. "Use Them or Lose Them" analyzes different products (anti-bacterial cutting boards? Lose them). "Germ Freak Horror Stories" are, well, self-explanatory!

This in-depth book has information for all levels of "germ freaks: latent, blatant or wannabes." With a style and sense of humor that makes it both enjoyable and educational, this is a health guide that should be read by all. It is accurately subtitled "Guerilla Tactics to Keep Yourself Healthy at Home and Work and in the World."

Armchair Interviews says: While many readers may find some of the suggestions useful for only true, over-the-top "germ freaks" it still gives many ideas to keep in mind as we go about our daily lives.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WELL DONE MUST HAVE FOR ALL TO KEEP HEALTHY, October 4, 2005

By 

KLS - Massachusetts Mother of Twins "KLS" (Scituate, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu: Guerilla Tactics to Keep Yourself Healthy at Home, at Work and in the World (Paperback)

I loved this book. Easy reading - blend of super humor mixed with great advice! The practical tips and reminders on basic hygiene and how to avoid pitfalls of infections are necessary for everyone! Anyone that goes out in public must read the why and how to avoid coming in contact with sick people. You never know what you are touching - and this handy book gives examples when you must watch out and what not to do! The etiquette reminders are hilarious...and on point!