"A useful, well-written guide to avoiding infection."––Library Journal
"An enjoyable, well-written, very clear book, which provides a great deal of information for the lay public."––Edward C. Oldfield III, M.D., F.A.C.P., professor of medicine, microbiology, and immunology; director, Division of Infectious Diseases, Eastern Virginia Medical School
AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, chickenpox, malaria, Lyme disease, salmonella, strep throat—no matter where you go or where you live, you are at risk from infectious disease. But there are ways you can protect yourself and your family!
In the revised and expanded edition of this classic guide, Dr. Winkler G. Weinberg explains in easy-to-understand language what you need to know to keep the germs away. From the infections of daily life, like the common cold and traveler’s diarrhea, to the dangerous, rare diseases such as plague, hantavirus, and invasive strep bacteria, to the recent threats of mad cow disease, West Nile virus, and SARS, this unique guide tells you:
your chances of getting sick
simple precautions you can take
which vaccinations and shots are worthwhile
which diseases you should really worry about
how to avoid catching infections in the hospital
special precautions to take if you are pregnant
how to ward off infections even though you have chronic health problems or you are HIV positive
how to keep well while traveling
what remedies to take with you
what to eat—and not eat—on the road
symptoms that signal trouble
what illnesses you can get from bug bites and animals
how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases
who should get flu shots and why
why you should see your doctor before you get sick
Timely information on contemporary concerns over bioterrorism is also included. Weinberg lets you know what you need to worry about and what you don’t.
Packed with helpful charts, checklists, and case histories, as well as special sections for pregnant women, people with HIV, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic conditions, this valuable book should be tucked in your traveling bag or kept close to the medicine chest. It just might save your life!
