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

Hey, I mean it! If everyone would just follow some of the practical advice in this incredibly easy-to-read (and entertaining) book, there would be less germs, thus less sickness, to be caught. I was always a germ-phobe, and now I must be extra-vigilant as I am a kidney-transplant survivor. I'm also about to be a mom. Just the thought of waiting in a pediatric office in the near-future is giving me the heebee-jeebees! Mrs. Janse is also a mother of twins and gives great advise on how to keep your little one from turning into a germ-magnet and making you sick, too. My Top Three? -Washing your hands to the alphabet.... -Using the disinfectant wipes at the grocery store before grabbing a cart.... -Making your doctor wash their hands before examining you. One I'd like to add that I didn't see mentioned? -If you valet: Have sanitizing wipes in your glove compartment and use to wipe-down your steering wheel after receiving your car - ESPECIALLY at a hospital! EEWW!

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (1/06) This book is certainly more than what the title indicates. It is more than outwitting colds and flu, it is about finding out where germs reside. Allison Janse, in her book "The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu," gives the reader a candid but educational account of how to avoid picking up the germs, as well as how to prevent the spread of them. I didn't know why I didn't like buffets, but after reading "The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flue" I have a clearer understanding. Janse claims that food is not kept hot enough, chicken or tuna salads are usually made from old ingredients, and soups or chili pots are not cleaned before more is added. However, Janse also gives pointers as to when to go to buffets, e.g. early, take food from the back of the bin, go wide around grazers, and eat the cold foods which, by law, have to be kept at certain temperatures. Janse points out that the germiest spot in the workplace is the phone with 25,127 germs per square inch and the desktop has 20,961. Surprisingly enough, the toilet seat only has 49 germs per square inch. From Janse's findings it is safer to eat your lunch off the toilet seat than your desk! And, then there are horrid discoveries on airplanes. But, I will leave it to the reader to find out what those are. Personally, I'm not sure that I needed to know all the information that was given to me by Janse! I'm just grateful that I have a healthy immune system. This book is not for the germ-a-phobic, but for anyone that wants to take precautions to avoid getting sick. I commend Janse for all her research and the ability to put it together in a book that is easy to read and understand.

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!

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!

What a great read! I laughed out loud in so many parts of the book. The author is smart and funny and lends such great information about keeping clean and healthy in some not-so- clean surroundings that we all have to deal with (i.e. the gym, the office, the airport, etc.). I want to give a copy to everyone I know!