Overkill: Repairing the Damage Caused by Our Unhealthy Obsession with Germs, Antibiotics, and Antibacterial Products

First let me say that I have not read this entire book. I browse through sections quite a bit though, and have really enjoyed it in that capacity. This book gives a lot of great background on antibiotic resistance in bacteria, and impresses upon the reader why it is an increasingly important problem. With regard to practical advice on infectious diseases, there is a very interesting test in the book that allows you to categorize your personal risk quotient (into broad groups), and the subsequent recommendations for managing risk are based on your category. I thought that this was an excellent way to write a book like this. There are too many similar books that seem meant only to shock and scare people. The author of Overkill seems to recognize that one size does not fit all, and people's fear of germs has benefits as well as detriments. People are resistant to infections to varying extents based upon their health status, from people in excellent health overall to the seriously immunocompromised, with a continuous distribution of people in-between. The course and consequences of infections often vary in accordance with one's health status as well. In order to manage their risk effectively, people should be careful with respect to hygiene and preventative measures, but not everyone needs to be equally vigilant. That is where the risk quotient comes in. In setting the book up like this, I think the author really shows a lot of respect for the intelligence of her audience of general readers. Beyond this, the book is filled with practical advice. I didn't agree with every word of the medical advice, but I am not a medical doctor, so perhaps you should read the book and judge for yourself. Highly recommended for those interested in the practical aspects of microbiology and public health.

Overkill serves up a blend of well-written commentary on the very operation of our medical system in a clear and concise manner, along with examples practical enough to apply to all of our lives. By virtue of assessments, readers can experience why levels of resistance continue to rise year after year, generation after generation. Seemingly innocuous chemicals designed to better your well-being often disarm potent antibacterial drugs from doing their prescribed job. It was only a few decades ago that penicillin was the panacea for Americans the nation over, but continued use has left many requiring higher and higher allotments -- subsequently leading to its virtual impotency. Before you down another pill or take a spoonful of medicine, pick-up a copy -- you'll be glad you did.

This book is a wake up call! Thank you!