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What do you need to know? What can you do to protect yourself? For the answers below, WebMD turned to bioterrorism experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and at the Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies at Johns Hopkins University.

Also, read our news coverage of The New Health Threat. And for help in dealing with the emotional challenges of recent events, see our special report "A Path to Healing."

> How do people get anthrax?
> What is anthrax?
> What symptoms should I watch for?
> How is anthrax treated?
> Should I stock up on antibiotics to protect my family and me?
> What can I do?
> Have Americans been infected with anthrax before?
> How is anthrax turned into a weapon for bioterrorism?
> Where is this anthrax coming from?
> How can I tell the difference between an anthrax infection and the flu?
> Can I catch anthrax from someone else?
> Who should I contact in my local area if I'm worried?

Anthrax and You
> Pros and cons of the anthrax vaccine
> A new, faster test for anthrax
> What does -- and doesn't -- kill anthrax
> Which antibiotics work against anthrax
> CDC: Precautions when opening the mail
> How to fight the fear and be safe

Beyond Anthrax: What Could Be Next?
> Could you -- should you -- get the smallpox vaccine?
> Q&A: Potential bioterror agents
> Are we prepared for smallpox?
> Roundtable: On Bioterrorism
> What is plague?
> What is botulism?
> What is ebola?
> What is Marburg hemorrhagic fever?