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Soap and Water and Common Sense: The Definitive Guide to Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites, and Disease
As a physician who has spent nearly two decades chasing bugs all over the world — from Ebola in Uganda, to polio in Pakistan, to SARS in Toronto — leading epidemiologist and public-health doctor Bonnie Henry offers three simple rules to help people avoid getting sick: clean your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, and stay at home when you have a fever. It all boils down to basic hygiene. In this compelling book, Dr. Henry gives a lively account of the evolution of common sickness. She takes readers on a tour through the halls of Microbes Inc., a global "corporation" that has evolved and adapted over billions of years to rule the earth. From viruses to bacteria to parasites and fungi, Dr. Henry profiles the threats and dispels some of the common myths and misinformation about good and bad bugs to bestow upon readers the most important measures needed to keep themselves and their families healthy.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
30 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Henry
4 books7 followersDr. Bonnie Henry was appointed as Provincial Health Officer for the Province of British Columbia in 2018. As BC’s most senior public health official, Dr. Henry is responsible for monitoring the health of all British Columbians and undertaking measures for disease prevention and control and health protection. Most recently, Dr. Henry has led the province’s response on the COVID-19 pandemic and drug overdose emergency.
Dr. Henry’s experience in public health, preventative medicine and global pandemics has extended throughout her career. Prior to her current role, Dr. Henry was the deputy provincial health officer for three years. She also served as the interim provincial executive medical director of the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) from December 2013 until August 2014.
She was the medical director of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control and Public Health Emergency Management with the BCCDC and medical director for the provincial emerging and vector-borne diseases program, as well as a provincial program for surveillance and control of healthcare associated infections from 2005 to 2014.
Dr. Henry joined Toronto Public Health in 2001 as Associate Medical Officer of Health, where she was responsible for the Emergency Services Unit and the Communicable Disease Liaison Unit. In 2003, she was the operational lead in the response to the SARS outbreak in Toronto. She was a member of the executive team of the Ontario SARS Scientific Advisory Committee.
Dr. Henry is a specialist in public health and preventive medicine and is board certified in preventive medicine in the U.S. She graduated from Dalhousie Medical School and completed a Masters in Public Health in San Diego, residency training in preventive medicine at University of California, San Diego and in community medicine at University of Toronto.
She has worked internationally including with the WHO/UNICEF polio eradication program in Pakistan and with the World Health Organization to control the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.
Dr. Henry is an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine. She is the past chair of Immunize Canada and a member of the Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization and the National Infection Control Guidelines Steering Committee. She chaired the Canadian Public Health Measures Task Group and was a member of the Infection Control Expert Group and the Canadian Pandemic Coordinating Committee responding to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.
She has been involved with planning, surveillance and response to mass gatherings in Canada and internationally, including with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Dr. Henry’s experience in public health, preventative medicine and global pandemics has extended throughout her career. Prior to her current role, Dr. Henry was the deputy provincial health officer for three years. She also served as the interim provincial executive medical director of the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) from December 2013 until August 2014.
She was the medical director of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control and Public Health Emergency Management with the BCCDC and medical director for the provincial emerging and vector-borne diseases program, as well as a provincial program for surveillance and control of healthcare associated infections from 2005 to 2014.
Dr. Henry joined Toronto Public Health in 2001 as Associate Medical Officer of Health, where she was responsible for the Emergency Services Unit and the Communicable Disease Liaison Unit. In 2003, she was the operational lead in the response to the SARS outbreak in Toronto. She was a member of the executive team of the Ontario SARS Scientific Advisory Committee.
Dr. Henry is a specialist in public health and preventive medicine and is board certified in preventive medicine in the U.S. She graduated from Dalhousie Medical School and completed a Masters in Public Health in San Diego, residency training in preventive medicine at University of California, San Diego and in community medicine at University of Toronto.
She has worked internationally including with the WHO/UNICEF polio eradication program in Pakistan and with the World Health Organization to control the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.
Dr. Henry is an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine. She is the past chair of Immunize Canada and a member of the Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization and the National Infection Control Guidelines Steering Committee. She chaired the Canadian Public Health Measures Task Group and was a member of the Infection Control Expert Group and the Canadian Pandemic Coordinating Committee responding to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.
She has been involved with planning, surveillance and response to mass gatherings in Canada and internationally, including with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
March 18, 2020
Dağınık bir kitap, zor bitirdim. Mikrobiyoloji 101 dersi olmuş bir de, gerçi vaka geçmişini öğrenmek fena değildi ama mikrobiyoloji temeli alan biri olarak ben sanırım sıkıldım okurken. Kitabın temel iletisi de adında gizli. Onun dışında çok ekstrem bir olayı yok. Nelerden ne bulaşabileceğini bilmek isterseniz o bakımdan da yararlı.
September 12, 2020
I feel like I've been watching the movie adaptation since March so it was nice to read the book
February 14, 2021
The author, an epidemiologist, writes about the world of microbes in a technique geared towards the lay reader. Histories, case studies and facts are presented in a matter-of-fact and digestible style. There are many breaking points within each chapter.
The book is a handy primer into the world of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites with longer expository pieces on significant microbes such as influenza, TB, MRSA and others. In addition to germs the author talks about early theories of disease and the doctors and scientists who provided the scientific breakthroughs that continue to save lives today. You can’t talk about infectious diseases without telling the stories of Edward Jenner, Ignaz Semmelweis, John Snow, Joseph Lister, Louis Pasteur, Alexander Fleming and more. The stories aren’t flashy or captivating but they’re told effectively and thoroughly enough to serve their purpose.
The material appears to be very comprehensive. If you haven’t read up on the subject matter this book is an excellent source. If you’ve read about microbes you may not find a lot of new material here.
The book is neatly organized into logical sections and the author provides handy guidance on best practices to avoid infection throughout. A recurring theme is to wash our hands at least five times per day. Good advice, no doubt, but I was disappointed the author didn’t take a moment to explain why soap and water are so effective. It seemed like a missed opportunity to explain the mechanics of an everyday activity that if we understood better we might practice it better. I’ve decided to do some internet research and provide some answers here:
Is washing with soap and water better than using hand sanitizer?
Yes. Per the U.S. CDC:
“There are important differences between washing hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizer. Soap and water work to remove all types of germs from hands, while sanitizer acts by killing certain germs on the skin. Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs in many situations, they should be used in the right situations. Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs like norovirus, Cryptosporidium, and Clostridioides difficile, as well as chemicals.
Hand sanitizers also may not remove harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and heavy metals like lead.
Handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs, pesticides, and metals on hands. Knowing when to clean your hands and which method to use will give you the best chance of preventing sickness.”
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/hand-...
How does hand soap kill the novel coronavirus?
“So why does soap work so well on the Sars-CoV-2, the coronavirus and indeed most viruses? The short story: because the virus is a self-assembled nanoparticle in which the weakest link is the lipid (fatty) bilayer. Soap dissolves the fat membrane and the virus falls apart like a house of cards and dies – or rather, we should say it becomes inactive as viruses aren’t really alive.
The slightly longer story is that most viruses consist of three key building blocks: ribonucleic acid (RNA), proteins and lipids. A virus-infected cell makes lots of these building blocks, which then spontaneously self-assemble to form the virus. Critically, there are no strong covalent bonds holding these units together, which means you do not necessarily need harsh chemicals to split those units apart. When an infected cell dies, all these new viruses escape and go on to infect other cells. Some end up also in the airways of lungs.
Washing the virus off with water alone might work. But water is not good at competing with the strong, glue-like interactions between the skin and the virus. Water isn’t enough.
Soapy water is totally different. Soap contains fat-like substances known as amphiphiles, some of which are structurally very similar to the lipids in the virus membrane. The soap molecules “compete” with the lipids in the virus membrane. This is more or less how soap also removes normal dirt from the skin.
The soap not only loosens the “glue” between the virus and the skin but also the Velcro-like interactions that hold the proteins, lipids and RNA in the virus together.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentis...
Should you use antibacterial soap?
No. Per the U.S. CDC:
“Use plain soap and water to wash your hands. Studies have not found any added health benefit from using antibacterial soap, other than for professionals in healthcare settings. In 2016, FDA banned over-the-counter sale of antibacterial soaps that contain certain ingredientsexternal icon because these soaps are no better than plain soap at preventing people from getting sick and their ingredients may not be safe for long-term, daily use. Some studiesexternal icon have shown that using antibacterial soap may contribute to antibiotic resistance.”
How does hand sanitizer kill germs?
“Hand sanitizers are actually only effective at killing germs in certain situations. It is not effective if your hands are visibly dirty. In order for hand sanitizer to effectively kill germs, the sanitizer needs to contain above 60% of some kind of alcohol, and that the skin needs to be exposed for at least about 15 seconds to the alcohol in order for it to be effective. Typically, alcohols such as isopropanol, ethanol, or n-propanol are used as the active ingredients in hand sanitizers. Furthermore, it turns out that certain bacteria (the non-spore forming kind) are more susceptible to hand sanitizers than others.
So what is the mechanism that kills these bacteria? Alcohols kill germs by destroying the cell membranes and denaturing proteins of bacterial cells. Because of this, gram-negative bacteria (e.g. E. coli and salmonella) are more susceptible to sanitizers, since they have a thin peptidoglycan cell wall surrounded by an outer membrane, which can be dissolved by alcohols. Gram-positive bacteria (e.g. Staphylococcus) have a thicker peptidoglycan cell wall and are less vulnerable to alcohol-based sanitizers, but can still be killed by these sanitizers. There are some non-alcohol based sanitizers that are more effective against gram-positive bacteria, such as Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) based sanitizers.
But if you get a choice between washing your hands and using a hand sanitizer, you should probably opt for washing your hands with soap for at least 20-30 seconds. Why? The smaller the pathogen of interest (e.g. viruses are much, much smaller than bacteria), the easier it is for it to get trapped in the small crevices of your skin. Vigorous hand washing seems to be more effective at dislodging these germs, since in addition to the surfactants in the soap and the friction from rubbing your hands, there is the rinsing step, which does not occur when using hand sanitizer. Regular and frequent hand-washing is one of the most effective ways to reduce your chances of getting a cold or flu!”
http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.ph...
The book is a handy primer into the world of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites with longer expository pieces on significant microbes such as influenza, TB, MRSA and others. In addition to germs the author talks about early theories of disease and the doctors and scientists who provided the scientific breakthroughs that continue to save lives today. You can’t talk about infectious diseases without telling the stories of Edward Jenner, Ignaz Semmelweis, John Snow, Joseph Lister, Louis Pasteur, Alexander Fleming and more. The stories aren’t flashy or captivating but they’re told effectively and thoroughly enough to serve their purpose.
The material appears to be very comprehensive. If you haven’t read up on the subject matter this book is an excellent source. If you’ve read about microbes you may not find a lot of new material here.
The book is neatly organized into logical sections and the author provides handy guidance on best practices to avoid infection throughout. A recurring theme is to wash our hands at least five times per day. Good advice, no doubt, but I was disappointed the author didn’t take a moment to explain why soap and water are so effective. It seemed like a missed opportunity to explain the mechanics of an everyday activity that if we understood better we might practice it better. I’ve decided to do some internet research and provide some answers here:
Is washing with soap and water better than using hand sanitizer?
Yes. Per the U.S. CDC:
“There are important differences between washing hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizer. Soap and water work to remove all types of germs from hands, while sanitizer acts by killing certain germs on the skin. Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs in many situations, they should be used in the right situations. Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs like norovirus, Cryptosporidium, and Clostridioides difficile, as well as chemicals.
Hand sanitizers also may not remove harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and heavy metals like lead.
Handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs, pesticides, and metals on hands. Knowing when to clean your hands and which method to use will give you the best chance of preventing sickness.”
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/hand-...
How does hand soap kill the novel coronavirus?
“So why does soap work so well on the Sars-CoV-2, the coronavirus and indeed most viruses? The short story: because the virus is a self-assembled nanoparticle in which the weakest link is the lipid (fatty) bilayer. Soap dissolves the fat membrane and the virus falls apart like a house of cards and dies – or rather, we should say it becomes inactive as viruses aren’t really alive.
The slightly longer story is that most viruses consist of three key building blocks: ribonucleic acid (RNA), proteins and lipids. A virus-infected cell makes lots of these building blocks, which then spontaneously self-assemble to form the virus. Critically, there are no strong covalent bonds holding these units together, which means you do not necessarily need harsh chemicals to split those units apart. When an infected cell dies, all these new viruses escape and go on to infect other cells. Some end up also in the airways of lungs.
Washing the virus off with water alone might work. But water is not good at competing with the strong, glue-like interactions between the skin and the virus. Water isn’t enough.
Soapy water is totally different. Soap contains fat-like substances known as amphiphiles, some of which are structurally very similar to the lipids in the virus membrane. The soap molecules “compete” with the lipids in the virus membrane. This is more or less how soap also removes normal dirt from the skin.
The soap not only loosens the “glue” between the virus and the skin but also the Velcro-like interactions that hold the proteins, lipids and RNA in the virus together.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentis...
Should you use antibacterial soap?
No. Per the U.S. CDC:
“Use plain soap and water to wash your hands. Studies have not found any added health benefit from using antibacterial soap, other than for professionals in healthcare settings. In 2016, FDA banned over-the-counter sale of antibacterial soaps that contain certain ingredientsexternal icon because these soaps are no better than plain soap at preventing people from getting sick and their ingredients may not be safe for long-term, daily use. Some studiesexternal icon have shown that using antibacterial soap may contribute to antibiotic resistance.”
How does hand sanitizer kill germs?
“Hand sanitizers are actually only effective at killing germs in certain situations. It is not effective if your hands are visibly dirty. In order for hand sanitizer to effectively kill germs, the sanitizer needs to contain above 60% of some kind of alcohol, and that the skin needs to be exposed for at least about 15 seconds to the alcohol in order for it to be effective. Typically, alcohols such as isopropanol, ethanol, or n-propanol are used as the active ingredients in hand sanitizers. Furthermore, it turns out that certain bacteria (the non-spore forming kind) are more susceptible to hand sanitizers than others.
So what is the mechanism that kills these bacteria? Alcohols kill germs by destroying the cell membranes and denaturing proteins of bacterial cells. Because of this, gram-negative bacteria (e.g. E. coli and salmonella) are more susceptible to sanitizers, since they have a thin peptidoglycan cell wall surrounded by an outer membrane, which can be dissolved by alcohols. Gram-positive bacteria (e.g. Staphylococcus) have a thicker peptidoglycan cell wall and are less vulnerable to alcohol-based sanitizers, but can still be killed by these sanitizers. There are some non-alcohol based sanitizers that are more effective against gram-positive bacteria, such as Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) based sanitizers.
But if you get a choice between washing your hands and using a hand sanitizer, you should probably opt for washing your hands with soap for at least 20-30 seconds. Why? The smaller the pathogen of interest (e.g. viruses are much, much smaller than bacteria), the easier it is for it to get trapped in the small crevices of your skin. Vigorous hand washing seems to be more effective at dislodging these germs, since in addition to the surfactants in the soap and the friction from rubbing your hands, there is the rinsing step, which does not occur when using hand sanitizer. Regular and frequent hand-washing is one of the most effective ways to reduce your chances of getting a cold or flu!”
http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.ph...
May 28, 2020
I found Dr. Bonnie Henry’s preamble into the world of micro-organism a great introduction into microbiology ; she covered the birth and history of epidemiology, vaccination, and various pathogens that has plagued humankind from past to present, as well as its resurgence.
I was hoping to read about her experience of SARS in Toronto when it occurred in 2001. However, she did not get into it at all. That said, her main focus was on the
practices that seem “common sense” which are done w/out much awareness attached, and I liked that she illuminated the reasons WHY it’s so paramount to practice these behaviors such as washing your hands before and after meal prep, the cutting board and knife, aaaaaaaand the vegetable you are working with itself! I do casually wash all those things, but I certainly don’t meticulously wash leafy greens and/or basils that are nicely packaged.
As well, her book inspired me to pull out my immunization book, and mentally note which vaccines I should be aware of, and be asking for when I travel to different places around the world.
I was hoping to read about her experience of SARS in Toronto when it occurred in 2001. However, she did not get into it at all. That said, her main focus was on the
practices that seem “common sense” which are done w/out much awareness attached, and I liked that she illuminated the reasons WHY it’s so paramount to practice these behaviors such as washing your hands before and after meal prep, the cutting board and knife, aaaaaaaand the vegetable you are working with itself! I do casually wash all those things, but I certainly don’t meticulously wash leafy greens and/or basils that are nicely packaged.
As well, her book inspired me to pull out my immunization book, and mentally note which vaccines I should be aware of, and be asking for when I travel to different places around the world.
April 1, 2020
Very very very good, easy to read. Great bibliography and although it is a 2009 book, it has a March 2020 introduction referencing COVID-19. A must read given the times. I thought it would scare me but it gave me comfort.
Available on Kobo and Kindle [read March 202 intro; chap 3; Top 10 Myths and Top 10 ways to stay healthy if you are in a hurry which most of us in the region are not right now].
Dr. Bonnie Henry is chief of British Columbia, Canada CDC and face of their daily COVID-19 updates. Her calm, compassionate demeanor and consistent message (wash hands frequently, cover mouth with elbow when sneezing/coughing, stay home when sick, is very helpful since the 2009 and 2020 messages are consistent. Dr. Henry worked SARS(2002), EBOLA(2014?) and more. Stay safe, it is in our hands!
Available on Kobo and Kindle [read March 202 intro; chap 3; Top 10 Myths and Top 10 ways to stay healthy if you are in a hurry which most of us in the region are not right now].
Dr. Bonnie Henry is chief of British Columbia, Canada CDC and face of their daily COVID-19 updates. Her calm, compassionate demeanor and consistent message (wash hands frequently, cover mouth with elbow when sneezing/coughing, stay home when sick, is very helpful since the 2009 and 2020 messages are consistent. Dr. Henry worked SARS(2002), EBOLA(2014?) and more. Stay safe, it is in our hands!
August 7, 2021
This book felt like a must-read, given Dr. Bonnie Henry’s status as a local hero during the COVID pandemic. It’s not just about hand-washing (obviously), but combines a mini history of epidemiology with a run-through of common infections and how we can get (or prevent) them. Most of this book’s content wasn’t new to me, but there was enough to keep me interested. I found the travel section at the end particularly interesting.
June 5, 2020
I really didn't think I'd be so into a book that's literally mostly about how important it is to wash your hands. that's tongue in cheek--Bonnie Henry, our provincial health officer here in BC, has written a really interesting book about viruses, bacteria, microbes, and how they are transmitted. she dispels many myths about illnesses associated with certain cultures (I particularly enjoyed the conversations about syphilis and HIV). also included are helpful tips for staying healthy in everyday life and when travelling, as well as the importance of vaccines and the over-prescribing of antibiotics. I read this book as part of my ongoing pandemic reading club that consists only of myself. this is book number five, after Station Eleven, The Leftovers, The Plague and High-Rise.
September 27, 2020
In March this year (2020), my mother was hospitalised a week before the lockdown and I remarked - “We dont have an effective antibiotic against Corona virus.”
Some1 more knowledgeable in the visitors area remarked - “Antibiotics dont work on viruses anyway.” This extreme ignorance was extremely tested once the lockdown was declared. Especially since we Indians dont have faith on our govts and the WHO too was robbed of its credibility.
Before the frightening Corona pandemic, in the worst case, getting ill meant getting hospitalized for a couple of days with some harassment for the family and reimbursement from the medical insurance company.
For a country that spits anywhere, it is a paradigm-shift to ask ppl to wear a mask in public or always cover their mouth/nose while coughing/sneezing. This pandemic has woken up many of us to take a good hard look at the how and why of diseases, vaccines, medicines and above-all prevention. And this book was a great one to begin with.
Some1 more knowledgeable in the visitors area remarked - “Antibiotics dont work on viruses anyway.” This extreme ignorance was extremely tested once the lockdown was declared. Especially since we Indians dont have faith on our govts and the WHO too was robbed of its credibility.
Before the frightening Corona pandemic, in the worst case, getting ill meant getting hospitalized for a couple of days with some harassment for the family and reimbursement from the medical insurance company.
For a country that spits anywhere, it is a paradigm-shift to ask ppl to wear a mask in public or always cover their mouth/nose while coughing/sneezing. This pandemic has woken up many of us to take a good hard look at the how and why of diseases, vaccines, medicines and above-all prevention. And this book was a great one to begin with.
September 17, 2021
⚫Podrobná príručka od epidemiologičky a absolventky odboru verejné zdravotníctvo Bonnie Henry je plnohodnotnou monografiou s vlastným poznámkovým aparátom či zoznamom odporúčanej literatúry a registrom, pričom nás autorka v diele prevedie nielen genézou rôznych chorôb a ich pôvodcov klasickým výkladovým štýlom ponášajúcim sa na texty vysokoškolských skrípt, ale podrobne popíše i rôzne známe prípady ochorení, prístup k ich liečeniu v rôznych miestach sveta, pikošky o rôznych patogénnych organizmoch, hraničiace skoro s biologickým výkladom a to všetko stále spracované a popísané pútavo a jednoducho, i pre laického čitateľa, no zároveň plnohodnotne i pre čitateľa erudovaného, pričom publikácia vychádza na Slovensku vo (pre celú našu spoločnosť) veľmi príhodnom čase, v ktorom si treba pripomínať potrebu ochrany a prevencie.⚫
June 8, 2020
Having already washed my hands numerous times today, being aware of not touching my face and not being within 6 feet of anyone today, I’m now checking out my refrigerator for possible pathogens. I’ve been adhering to many infection control practices thru the years but Dr Henry brings today’s reality to a new level. Done in an easy to read and understand format, she brings you face to face with the many microbes that we coexist with on this planet.
May 29, 2020
Inspiring book.
Too bad these simple sanitary practices are not followed.
It's likely why we're in this situation.
Sad.
Highly recommended.
Stay home, stay safe, only drive around if NECESSARY!
4.8/5
Too bad these simple sanitary practices are not followed.
It's likely why we're in this situation.
Sad.
Highly recommended.
Stay home, stay safe, only drive around if NECESSARY!
4.8/5
March 9, 2021
Some readers may find this book is too much of a textbook with lots of facts and statistics but I found it interesting. I am prouder than ever of our province’s public health officer.
May 3, 2020
This book although was written in 2009 it has references to 2020 and covid 19 at the beginning. I found it very easy to read and was fascinated by all the information about the various bugs in the world. Very good read given the times we are in.
June 21, 2020
A light, easy read. Bonnie Henry gives a quick overview of diseases and their history that in parts of the book just amounts to a list of diseases and their descriptions. The book is lacking in details and doesn't tell an interesting story about disease management, how disease spreads or how they have affected human history. Ultimately, I did not feel like I learned anything new from reading this book, however I would recommend it to someone who is totally new to the subject and looking for a starting point.
April 23, 2011
Alas this book did not hit my spot. It seemed confused and disorganised - is it a basic text, is it a history of infectious disease, is a guide to preventing infectious disease? Not quite any of those things It reminded me of my microbiology and virology course at university which was delivered by a rambling lecturer. There were some odd oversimplifications and omissions.
There certainly are plenty of interesting stories scattered through the book - I didn't know about Salmonella in chocolate, good grief, what a thing to read the day before Easter Sunday!
It is of course entirely possible that my view of this book was jaded by the fact that I was reading it in the grip of a nasty cold/flu virus.
There certainly are plenty of interesting stories scattered through the book - I didn't know about Salmonella in chocolate, good grief, what a thing to read the day before Easter Sunday!
It is of course entirely possible that my view of this book was jaded by the fact that I was reading it in the grip of a nasty cold/flu virus.
April 11, 2021
Written in layperson friendly language in the kind and compassionate tone of Dr. Henry - interesting crash course in the history of some of our more common infectious outbreaks, things like how vaccines came to be, what happened when someone brought a dog bite victim to Dr. Pasteur, how malaria has evolved over the years, how global warming has affected seafood, etc. All in all, a very interesting read.
ALSO!! - Recommended reading for any of your friends still referring to COVID19 as "China virus" because it's nonsense, western farming practises have contributed more than their fair share to the current situation.
Takeaway - Vaccines and soap are your best friends.
ALSO!! - Recommended reading for any of your friends still referring to COVID19 as "China virus" because it's nonsense, western farming practises have contributed more than their fair share to the current situation.
Takeaway - Vaccines and soap are your best friends.
April 11, 2011
A fantastic description of the origin of diseases and what we can do to stop the spread of them. Well-written and down to earth, Henry's book is a must-read for any health care professional looking into epidemiology for the first time.
January 2, 2025
Soap and Water and Common Sense by Dr. Bonnie Henry is a 2009 Anansi Press publication.
I stumbled upon this book at the library and checked it out because our family members had just had a long conversation about the signs and symptoms of various illnesses. We all suffer from allergy and sinus problems- so we are always wondering- Is it sinus/ allergy or is it a cold? And these days, the question can be: is it the flu or Covid? I thought the book, though written prior to Covid, would explain a few things about various illnesses… and it did- just not in the way I had anticipated.
As it turns out, I didn’t get the answer to those questions, but this is a fascinating book about the origins of all the known bugs out there in various categories- such as food borne illness, or viruses from insects- like mosquitos, the flu, SARS, bird flu, and all that fun stuff, plus illnesses acquired from water parks, or hot tubs, air conditioning in hotels, and of course STDs.
We delve into the advent of antibiotics, penicillin, and how these various bugs tend to adapt. It’s crazy.
But the doctor offers some very sound advise… and remember, this book was originally published BEFORE Covid-
WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER… or USE ALCOHOL BASED HAND SANITIZERS!!
Be sure to do this often while cooking or after playing with your pets etc. Be sure not to cough all over everyone- cough into your elbow or cover your mouth… then wash your hands.
Don’t use antibacterial soap. Just regular soap and water is fine for your hands, laundry and dishes. Don’t overuse antibiotics. Remember, antibiotics will not do anything for you if you have a virus.
GET IMMUNIZED!!
Chapter 10 dispels common myths- especially about immunization. People in America in 2025 take heed!!
STAY HOME IF YOU HAVE A FEVER!!
In America it seems to be a sign of toughness if one shows up to work while battling an illness. It’s dedication and all that nonsense. Case in point. My husband and I were usually consistant with getting our annual flu shots, especially since I worked for the public. But for whatever reason, one year we had trouble getting one. My husband, who rarely got sick- an occasional deep cold-caught the H1N1 flu from a coworker who came to work sick.
It was terrifying. My DH was so sick he was talking out of his rear end. He gave it to me too, and let me tell you, it was the worst flu I ever had. The sad thing is that my husband’s immune system was never the same after that. Now he gets everything. He must take vitamins to strengthen his immune system and can't over do it. Too much work or exercise causes his system to weaken. When he comes down with something it takes forever to shake it off. Frankly, I’m a little bitter about it. If that guy had just stayed home from work while he was ill….
Some great history here in this book, some very interesting facts about viruses and how to stay healthy. I don’t think I’ll be in any hurry to hop into a hot tub any time soon… and I’m not in a big mani-pedi mood either after hearing some stories in this book… but again, following some basic, common sense habits will go a long way towards prevention. Take matters into your own hands and be sure establishments are following protocols- wash your food, cook to the correct temperature, clean your cutting boards and avoid cross contamination.
Take care of yourself… but also think of others, too.
Overall, an interesting book. I’m glad I found it and I recommend it to all.
*Note: I do believe this book got an update with some Covid related material. This book, though, was the original publication.
*Note two- recently there have been outbreaks of the Norovirus. Just FYI- hand sanitizers do not work on this virus, nor does santiary wipes, or Lysol. Bleach and hydrogen peroxide works, and washing your hands with soap and water is a must. It's a hard one to kill and people can still pass it around for as long as two weeks after their symptoms ease.
I stumbled upon this book at the library and checked it out because our family members had just had a long conversation about the signs and symptoms of various illnesses. We all suffer from allergy and sinus problems- so we are always wondering- Is it sinus/ allergy or is it a cold? And these days, the question can be: is it the flu or Covid? I thought the book, though written prior to Covid, would explain a few things about various illnesses… and it did- just not in the way I had anticipated.
As it turns out, I didn’t get the answer to those questions, but this is a fascinating book about the origins of all the known bugs out there in various categories- such as food borne illness, or viruses from insects- like mosquitos, the flu, SARS, bird flu, and all that fun stuff, plus illnesses acquired from water parks, or hot tubs, air conditioning in hotels, and of course STDs.
We delve into the advent of antibiotics, penicillin, and how these various bugs tend to adapt. It’s crazy.
But the doctor offers some very sound advise… and remember, this book was originally published BEFORE Covid-
WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER… or USE ALCOHOL BASED HAND SANITIZERS!!
Be sure to do this often while cooking or after playing with your pets etc. Be sure not to cough all over everyone- cough into your elbow or cover your mouth… then wash your hands.
Don’t use antibacterial soap. Just regular soap and water is fine for your hands, laundry and dishes. Don’t overuse antibiotics. Remember, antibiotics will not do anything for you if you have a virus.
GET IMMUNIZED!!
Chapter 10 dispels common myths- especially about immunization. People in America in 2025 take heed!!
STAY HOME IF YOU HAVE A FEVER!!
In America it seems to be a sign of toughness if one shows up to work while battling an illness. It’s dedication and all that nonsense. Case in point. My husband and I were usually consistant with getting our annual flu shots, especially since I worked for the public. But for whatever reason, one year we had trouble getting one. My husband, who rarely got sick- an occasional deep cold-caught the H1N1 flu from a coworker who came to work sick.
It was terrifying. My DH was so sick he was talking out of his rear end. He gave it to me too, and let me tell you, it was the worst flu I ever had. The sad thing is that my husband’s immune system was never the same after that. Now he gets everything. He must take vitamins to strengthen his immune system and can't over do it. Too much work or exercise causes his system to weaken. When he comes down with something it takes forever to shake it off. Frankly, I’m a little bitter about it. If that guy had just stayed home from work while he was ill….
Some great history here in this book, some very interesting facts about viruses and how to stay healthy. I don’t think I’ll be in any hurry to hop into a hot tub any time soon… and I’m not in a big mani-pedi mood either after hearing some stories in this book… but again, following some basic, common sense habits will go a long way towards prevention. Take matters into your own hands and be sure establishments are following protocols- wash your food, cook to the correct temperature, clean your cutting boards and avoid cross contamination.
Take care of yourself… but also think of others, too.
Overall, an interesting book. I’m glad I found it and I recommend it to all.
*Note: I do believe this book got an update with some Covid related material. This book, though, was the original publication.
*Note two- recently there have been outbreaks of the Norovirus. Just FYI- hand sanitizers do not work on this virus, nor does santiary wipes, or Lysol. Bleach and hydrogen peroxide works, and washing your hands with soap and water is a must. It's a hard one to kill and people can still pass it around for as long as two weeks after their symptoms ease.
October 12, 2023
I nearly put this book down very early on because it was explaining things like what bacteria are and what viruses are. I worried that this book was just going to cover things I already learned in high school or university biology (or from the Sawbones podcast). There was quite a bit I did already know, but there were a few new things too (such as chocolate being a vector for salmonella).
Overall though, this book left me with an overwhelming hopelessness. Most of the advice on how to reduce the spread of deadly diseases was predicated on either individuals taking steps to reduce spreading their diseases to others (such as covering their mouths when they cough) or enacting policies to prevent or reduce outbreaks on a larger scale (such as instituting government regulations to protect people). After seeing how poorly Covid was handled globally and how common sense measures like wearing masks were politicized to the point of countless large-scale protests, it is clear that "soap, water, & common sense" are completely ineffective against willful ignorance and denial of basic science. While I was writing this review, I was on public transit. I was the only one wearing a mask despite BC recently instituting a mandatory masking policy in healthcare settings because so many respiratory infections are on the rise, and multiple people were coughing without taking any steps to try to cover those coughs. This has been the pattern I've been seeing for weeks: people openly coughing on public transit without wearing masks or making any effort to cover their mouths.
This was the cause of frequent illnesses in my first teaching job because I would be bending over to help a student with something and they would cough directly into my face. I got sick a lot.
I don't believe in common sense anymore.
Overall though, this book left me with an overwhelming hopelessness. Most of the advice on how to reduce the spread of deadly diseases was predicated on either individuals taking steps to reduce spreading their diseases to others (such as covering their mouths when they cough) or enacting policies to prevent or reduce outbreaks on a larger scale (such as instituting government regulations to protect people). After seeing how poorly Covid was handled globally and how common sense measures like wearing masks were politicized to the point of countless large-scale protests, it is clear that "soap, water, & common sense" are completely ineffective against willful ignorance and denial of basic science. While I was writing this review, I was on public transit. I was the only one wearing a mask despite BC recently instituting a mandatory masking policy in healthcare settings because so many respiratory infections are on the rise, and multiple people were coughing without taking any steps to try to cover those coughs. This has been the pattern I've been seeing for weeks: people openly coughing on public transit without wearing masks or making any effort to cover their mouths.
This was the cause of frequent illnesses in my first teaching job because I would be bending over to help a student with something and they would cough directly into my face. I got sick a lot.
I don't believe in common sense anymore.
November 19, 2020
In the year of Covid-19 the re-issue of this guide by Dr. Henry is certainly timely. The title is inspired by the advice offered by Sir William Osler "the father of modern medicine". It's intended for the layperson and explains in direct, largely non-technical prose the various infectious diseases which assail humanity be they bacterial, viral, parasitical or fungal. She also deals with controversial issues such as the unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics for viral infections. Although many life-saving vaccines and treatments have been developed from the late 19th century and through the 20th century, Dr. Henry reminds us how tenacious some of these "bugs" are as they develop their own defence mechanisms to survive and replicate. Based on the clarity of the prose and the amount of information packed into a relatively short book, it should merit a 5 star rating. Unfortunately I noticed two errors which suggest that there may be more. Edward Jenner of smallpox vaccination fame is called Robert Jenner in the notes. Randy Shilts, correctly spelled in the main text, becomes Randy Shift in the notes. This could have been corrected before the re-issue. With respect to Shilts : his book And the Band Played On is recommended as a source for information on the AIDS epidemic yet is the source for the false narrative of Patient Zero which Henry acknowledges in her section on the HIV virus. By co-incidence I read this book shortly after listening to a doctor on the CBC discussing Osler's racist ideas; another hero with feet of clay I suppose.
August 26, 2020
3.5 Stars
Maybe this 2009 publication might be better titled "Bonnie's Bug Book"! An early review by another Medical Health Officer suggested that Dr. Henry's take on viruses, bacteria and parasites might be alarmist - what we know now is that she was likely prescient as the world tries to survive the Covid19 pandemic of 2020 (or possibly earlier). Written in laymen's terms, Dr. Henry covers a lot of scary territory, and finishes the book with a big bang about traveller's bugs, particularly mosquito borne disease. While this is a useful book, usefulness does not make it a good book. In some ways it lacks focus and organization and would achieve more with specific anecdotes so that the facts don't become a big blur. Some of the historic footnotes provided are fascinating, including the origin of the famed Iditirod dog race in Alaska. She uses the conceit of Microbes, Inc. as the descriptive umbrella for everything awful - and this becomes somewhat tiresome over a couple of hundred pages. The worst side effect incurred from reading this book is the urge to wash your hands with non-bacterial soap every five pages or so.
Maybe this 2009 publication might be better titled "Bonnie's Bug Book"! An early review by another Medical Health Officer suggested that Dr. Henry's take on viruses, bacteria and parasites might be alarmist - what we know now is that she was likely prescient as the world tries to survive the Covid19 pandemic of 2020 (or possibly earlier). Written in laymen's terms, Dr. Henry covers a lot of scary territory, and finishes the book with a big bang about traveller's bugs, particularly mosquito borne disease. While this is a useful book, usefulness does not make it a good book. In some ways it lacks focus and organization and would achieve more with specific anecdotes so that the facts don't become a big blur. Some of the historic footnotes provided are fascinating, including the origin of the famed Iditirod dog race in Alaska. She uses the conceit of Microbes, Inc. as the descriptive umbrella for everything awful - and this becomes somewhat tiresome over a couple of hundred pages. The worst side effect incurred from reading this book is the urge to wash your hands with non-bacterial soap every five pages or so.
July 30, 2021
This book about Microbes by Dr Bonnie Henry is easy to read, informative, interesting and eye opening. She provides just enough information, in plain language, for the average reader to get a general high level understanding of bacteria, viruses and disease. Of course, one of my biggest takeaways from this book is the importance of hand washing! And I’m inspired to look up my vaccine records and potentially get some boosters (tetanus!). But above all of the practical information on how to avoid dangerous Microbes, I’ve closed this book acknowledging my privilege. I am grateful for a strong health care system, access to vaccines, safe sanitation and drinking water. many of us get vaccinated as protection against diseases and illnesses that we are lucky to know so little about. This edition of her 2009 book includes a March 2020 introduction. I hope that, following the Covid 19 pandemic, Dr Bonnie Henry will write a book about her observations and knowledge about Covid. (But I hope she takes a well deserved, relaxing vacation first!)
May 24, 2020
Wow, what a read!
Years ago as a ten year old spending time with relatives in a cabin on Kalamalka lake I would be reminded of the scourge of polio when the weekly RCAF Catalina would land on the lake taxi to the public beach and await the ambulances from Vernon . A number of small litters would be transported across the sand and the big flying boat would lumber off to YVR. Needless to say I was scared silly! Since then I have always wanted to know more- especially in these COVID 19 times- more about “ Bugs” . If you are interested in information that just could save your life, or you love interesting historical anecdotes, this is your book. It is well written and entertains as well as being a fountain of useful information. It is hard to think of a book on epidemiology as a “ page turner” but SW&CS is exactly that. Great work Dr Bonnie , in so many ways you do your country proud!
Years ago as a ten year old spending time with relatives in a cabin on Kalamalka lake I would be reminded of the scourge of polio when the weekly RCAF Catalina would land on the lake taxi to the public beach and await the ambulances from Vernon . A number of small litters would be transported across the sand and the big flying boat would lumber off to YVR. Needless to say I was scared silly! Since then I have always wanted to know more- especially in these COVID 19 times- more about “ Bugs” . If you are interested in information that just could save your life, or you love interesting historical anecdotes, this is your book. It is well written and entertains as well as being a fountain of useful information. It is hard to think of a book on epidemiology as a “ page turner” but SW&CS is exactly that. Great work Dr Bonnie , in so many ways you do your country proud!
July 1, 2020
I was excited to read this book based on the work Dr. Bonnie Henry has been doing during this COVID pandemic. However, I was pretty disappointed with it. The content is not very insightful, accurate, or well-composed. A lot of dated terminology and misinformation pops up, and not just for historical commentary. Based on the title, I expected much more focus on prevention, but it's really more of an overview of various diseases. I was disappointed that she didn't share much from her unique personal experiences. I found the weak "Microbes Inc." metaphor particularly tiring. It's a quick read, but I don't think it's worthwhile. I would recommend going on a Wikipedia adventure in microbes and diseases over reading this book.
June 26, 2020
This easily read and understood book is nonetheless rigorous and written by one of the world's leading epidemiologists and infectious disease specialists. Dr. Henry is British Columbia's Provincial Health Officer and has lead the fight in B. C. against Covid-19. And while the book does mention Covid-19 in the introduction, this is a book about the diseases, epidemics and pandemics that came before -- she's much too busy right now to write about the disease she's busy trying to save us all from.
If you read this book, you will absolutely start washing your hands more often and more thoroughly. And just might save your own life and the lives of your loved ones in the process.
If you read this book, you will absolutely start washing your hands more often and more thoroughly. And just might save your own life and the lives of your loved ones in the process.
March 17, 2021
I don’t know what I was really expecting out of this one. I
Picked it up on my library’s ebook app solely because it was available and I figured it could be worth the read. I was not expecting it to be an in depth exploration of epidemiology. I appreciated the information and comparison of past pandemics. Looking back on past pandemics gave some faith and hope that the immediate threat of covid will eventually fade. The tips on how to stay healthy at the end were very obvious and things we all should already know and do. But again, I did appreciate the comparison of past pandemics as it provided a wider perspective on viruses.
Picked it up on my library’s ebook app solely because it was available and I figured it could be worth the read. I was not expecting it to be an in depth exploration of epidemiology. I appreciated the information and comparison of past pandemics. Looking back on past pandemics gave some faith and hope that the immediate threat of covid will eventually fade. The tips on how to stay healthy at the end were very obvious and things we all should already know and do. But again, I did appreciate the comparison of past pandemics as it provided a wider perspective on viruses.
June 5, 2020
Dr. Bonnie Henry has been a calming, reassuring presence daily in the lives of all British Columbians. She has managed the Covid crisis and kept the "numbers" down. We have learned to look up to her and trust her. Thus, when I saw the book written by her I grabbed it. It is surprisingly prescient in that it predicts something like this even n 2009. What is more important is that her mantra of, Soap, Water, and Common Sense has remained steadfast. A must-read for these times and all times. The book is easy to read and does not talk down to us.
June 29, 2020
From our modern day hero .. the book is 10 years old but it's worth reading. There is lots of good practical information. Wash your hands, stay home if you are sick .. hmm sound familiar???? Indeed .. after reading this book and learning what's out there I can guarantee you I'm definitely improving my hand hygiene but I also may never go outside again; I may stop eating (certainly at unclean restaurants) and, above all else, I will never ever ever trust a mosquito. Good book .. worth reading and I'm sure it will be worth referring to occasionally (even if it's a bit outdated)
August 10, 2020
Very readable summary of all the microbes and the diseases they cause and how we can protect ourselves. Dr. Henry is an accomplished public health doctor and in BC we are lucky she is leading the covid-19 pandemic response. The basic mantras she has been repeating throughout - wash your hands, stay home if sick, cover your mouth when coughing - figures prominently in this book too.
Logic aside, this book is also scary af. There are so many bacteria and viruses that can make you sick and possibly kill you.
Logic aside, this book is also scary af. There are so many bacteria and viruses that can make you sick and possibly kill you.
August 25, 2020
Interesting, informative, timely, and just a bit depressing. I find it amazing how humans can survive at all with the hordes of bacteria and viruses out to get us :(
I'm glad, though, that there are people like Dr. Bonny Henry who are smart enough and compassionate enough to try to save as many humans as possible!
...By the summer of 2003 SARS had been contained. But the outbreak exposed some serious deficiencies in our hospitals and public health systems....
....the spread of disease can be just a plane ride away....
Prophetic for 2020, the year of COVID-19.
I'm glad, though, that there are people like Dr. Bonny Henry who are smart enough and compassionate enough to try to save as many humans as possible!
...By the summer of 2003 SARS had been contained. But the outbreak exposed some serious deficiencies in our hospitals and public health systems....
....the spread of disease can be just a plane ride away....
Prophetic for 2020, the year of COVID-19.
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