Paul Offit Books

An acclaimed medical expert and patient advocate presents a revealing examination of widely used medical interventions that often do more harm than good, despite ongoing recommendations from many doctors. While modern medicine has made significant strides, allowing for the effective management of previously fatal illnesses like HIV and certain cancers, we still rely on outdated medical practices that can negatively impact our health. Common beliefs, such as the necessity of completing antibiotic courses, the effectiveness of sunscreens against UV rays, and the life-saving potential of all cancer screenings, are scrutinized for their scientific validity. In this transformative work, Dr. Paul A. Offit challenges 15 entrenched medical interventions, including vitamins, fever-reducing medications, and even more invasive procedures like heart stents and knee surgeries. He explores the origins of these practices, their biological shortcomings, and the medical culture that perpetuates them. By shedding light on these issues, Overkill empowers patients to advocate for their health. Through education, we can ask informed questions about the drugs and surgeries that are often promoted without sufficient evidence of their benefits.

From the publisher. A London researcher was the first to assert that the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine known as MMR caused autism in children. Following this "discovery," a handful of parents declared that a mercury-containing preservative in several vaccines was responsible for the disease. If mercury caused autism, they reasoned, eliminating it from a child's system should treat the disorder. Consequently, a number of untested alternative therapies arose, and, most tragically, in one such treatment, a doctor injected a five-year-old autistic boy with a chemical in an effort to cleanse him of mercury, which stopped his heart instead. Children with autism have been placed on stringent diets, subjected to high-temperature saunas, bathed in magnetic clay, asked to swallow digestive enzymes and activated charcoal, and injected with various combinations of vitamins, minerals, and acids. Instead of helping, these therapies can hurt those who are most vulnerable, and particularly in the case of autism, they undermine childhood vaccination programs that have saved millions of lives. An overwhelming body of scientific evidence clearly shows that childhood vaccines are safe and does not cause autism. Yet widespread fear of vaccines on the part of parents persists. Offit challenges the modern-day false prophets who have so egregiously misled the public and exposes the opportunism of the lawyers, journalists, celebrities, and politicians who support them. Offit recounts the history of autism research and the exploitation of this tragic condition by advocates and zealots. He considers the manipulation of science in the popular mediaand the courtroom, and he explores why society is susceptible to the bad science and risky therapies put forward by many antivaccination activists

A biography of the late immunologist follows his tireless quest to eradicate disease, discussing the history of the field of immunology, current controversy about the link between vaccines and autism, and Hilleman's success in developing the first mumps vaccine

Focusing on the science and safety of vaccines, this guide serves as a reliable resource for families. It provides clear, evidence-based information to help readers understand vaccination, addressing common concerns and misconceptions. The book aims to empower families with knowledge, ensuring they make informed decisions regarding immunization for their loved ones.

From one of the world’s top virologists, the definitive guide to understanding - and navigating - COVID-19.