Risky or Not?

A short podcast about everyday risks from germs

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ChatGPT image description: A pregnant woman grimaces while attempting to drink from a large jug labeled “Unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar.” Her eyes are squeezed shut and her mouth puckers from the sour taste. She holds the container hesitantly, standing against a plain background in a mauve maternity shirt, clearly regretting the sip.

860. Unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar for Pregnant or Immunocompromised People

December 08, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar for pregnant or immunocompromised people.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

  • The Different Types of Apple Cider Vinegar | OSU Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Apple Cider Vinegar in Pregnancy: Safety, Benefits, and Uses
  • Determination of 5-log reduction times for Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, or Listeria monocytogenes in acidified foods with pH 3.5 or 3.8
December 08, 2025 /Don Schaffner
Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, Vinegar, Immunocompromised, Pregnant

DALL·E - An elderly person with gray hair, wearing glasses, sitting alone at a kitchen table. They are eating a bowl of macaroni and cheese.

678. Immunocompromised Person Eating Mac and Cheese Left at Room Temperature for Two Hours

October 09, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks faced by an immunocompromised person eating mac and cheese left at room temperature for two hours.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

  • Ed Koch - Wikipedia
  • In Eric Adams Case, Prosecutors Warn of Additional Charges for Him and Defendants - The New York Times
  • Staphylococcus aureus Infection - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
  • Bacillus Cereus - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
  • time a spublic health control - Google Search
  • Cooling Uncovered Foods at a Depth of ∼5.1 cm (2 in.) or Less Poses Little Risk of Pathogen Growth - ScienceDirect
October 09, 2024 /Don Schaffner
Immunocompromised, Pasta, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus
germs-on-smartphones-cover.png

23: iPhones and the Immunocompromised

August 03, 2020 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from the immunocompromised handling devices like iPhones.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼

Professor Ben - risky ☣️

  • (2) Todd Vaziri on Twitter: “@bugcounter I have a friend with a kid who is in chemo, and is wondering what is the best way to sanitize iPhones and electronics? My initial thought is the glass/metal of a bare iPhone is relatively easy to clean… but the plastic/rubber cases are much harder.” / Twitter

  • Your Cell Phone Is 10 Times Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat | Time

  • Why your cellphone has more germs than a toilet | College of Agriculture and Life Sciences | The University of Arizona

  • Why your cellphone has more germs than a toilet - TODAY Health

August 03, 2020 /Don Schaffner
Phones, Immunocompromised

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