As far as I’m
concerned, if a book doesn’t make you say, “huh”, “ohh” or “mmh” at least a few
times during its reading, it was not time well spent (romance novels excluded
of course…those are just for mindless guilty reading pleasures!). But I do know one such book that was
peppered with such moments. If you
didn’t know that a group of dead flamingos in the Bronx Zoo heralded the North
American landfall of West
Nile Virus, or that an emergency dog-sled relay across Alaska to bring
diphtheria antitoxin to the stricken community of Nome was the birth of the
annual Ididarod race, then
you’ve not read Dr. Bonnie Henry’s book, “Soap,
Water and Common Sense”.
concerned, if a book doesn’t make you say, “huh”, “ohh” or “mmh” at least a few
times during its reading, it was not time well spent (romance novels excluded
of course…those are just for mindless guilty reading pleasures!). But I do know one such book that was
peppered with such moments. If you
didn’t know that a group of dead flamingos in the Bronx Zoo heralded the North
American landfall of West
Nile Virus, or that an emergency dog-sled relay across Alaska to bring
diphtheria antitoxin to the stricken community of Nome was the birth of the
annual Ididarod race, then
you’ve not read Dr. Bonnie Henry’s book, “Soap,
Water and Common Sense”.
The title of the book
was unabashedly derived from a William Osler quote, “Soap and water and common
sense are the best disinfectants”. From
viruses to bacteria to parasites and fungi, Dr. Henry dispels some of the
all-too-common myths and misinformation about good bugs and bad bugs, and
offers an eye opening account of the history of disease as well as up-to-date
and accurate information on everything from the bugs we breathe to the bugs we
eat and drink to the bugs in our backyard and beyond.
was unabashedly derived from a William Osler quote, “Soap and water and common
sense are the best disinfectants”. From
viruses to bacteria to parasites and fungi, Dr. Henry dispels some of the
all-too-common myths and misinformation about good bugs and bad bugs, and
offers an eye opening account of the history of disease as well as up-to-date
and accurate information on everything from the bugs we breathe to the bugs we
eat and drink to the bugs in our backyard and beyond.
Although much of the
wisdom on display in this book will not come as a surprise to professionals in
infection prevention and control, it is both an entertaining and educational
read. Her list of the “top 10 ways to
stay healthy” that predictably starts with hand hygiene, surprising ends with
“Use condoms”. That addition gave me
pause likely because it is not a preventative measure that is commonly
discussed in the manufacture of surface disinfectants (where I spend most of my
life) and is not much addressed elsewhere in the book. Nevertheless, it is an absolutely necessary
addition! In fact, there are little side
stories, quips and other surprises throughout the book that keep you moving
forward.
wisdom on display in this book will not come as a surprise to professionals in
infection prevention and control, it is both an entertaining and educational
read. Her list of the “top 10 ways to
stay healthy” that predictably starts with hand hygiene, surprising ends with
“Use condoms”. That addition gave me
pause likely because it is not a preventative measure that is commonly
discussed in the manufacture of surface disinfectants (where I spend most of my
life) and is not much addressed elsewhere in the book. Nevertheless, it is an absolutely necessary
addition! In fact, there are little side
stories, quips and other surprises throughout the book that keep you moving
forward.
In her “Top 10 myths
and truths about bugs”, I found many ideas that all of us would be grateful to
see disseminated in the wider community.
For example:
and truths about bugs”, I found many ideas that all of us would be grateful to
see disseminated in the wider community.
For example:
“Myth: My immune system is healthy, so I don’t
need immunization. Besides, vaccines are
dangerous.
need immunization. Besides, vaccines are
dangerous.
Truth: Vaccines work with your immune system to
help you fight infection. A report of
potential link between MMR vaccine and autism has been debunked by scientific
evidence. Vaccines are safe and
effective, and our best protection against many infections.”
help you fight infection. A report of
potential link between MMR vaccine and autism has been debunked by scientific
evidence. Vaccines are safe and
effective, and our best protection against many infections.”
You only have to
follow the news about the increased cases of Whooping Cough (pertussis) in the
US to know that vaccines work! According
to the CDC, nearly 18,000 cases
have been reported so far in 2012 — more than twice the number seen at this
point last year with 9 pertussis-related deaths reported with the majority of
deaths occurring among infants younger than 3 months of age.
follow the news about the increased cases of Whooping Cough (pertussis) in the
US to know that vaccines work! According
to the CDC, nearly 18,000 cases
have been reported so far in 2012 — more than twice the number seen at this
point last year with 9 pertussis-related deaths reported with the majority of
deaths occurring among infants younger than 3 months of age.
“Soap and Water &
Common Sense – The Definitive Guide to Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites and
Disease” is well worth the time to read and while the title may infer that the
book may be intended for those in healthcare related fields, the truth is the
book is intended for the larger community.
In fact, it lends itself nicely for a book club discussion. For someone not immersed daily in the
prevention of infection, the “huh” moments will be plentiful indeed, and it may
even be a life altering (or at least health-improving) experience!
Common Sense – The Definitive Guide to Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites and
Disease” is well worth the time to read and while the title may infer that the
book may be intended for those in healthcare related fields, the truth is the
book is intended for the larger community.
In fact, it lends itself nicely for a book club discussion. For someone not immersed daily in the
prevention of infection, the “huh” moments will be plentiful indeed, and it may
even be a life altering (or at least health-improving) experience!
Bugging Off!
Nicole
