Yes, there would be hundreds thousands dead( maybe even millions) and much more injured but you can prepare yourself for nuclear threats so you and your family can survive. Alpha particles produced are the heaviest kind and can't even penetrate human skin. They are only harmful if inhaled, or swallowed. Beta particles, are more penetrating than alpha and can pass through clothing and can damage skin but are stopped by thin aluminium foil or glass. Again the greatest risk is in swallowing. Gamma rays are the most harmful and are pure energy. It is very hard to completely stop gamma but the rays can be reduced so that they pose much less of a health risk. 2.4 inches of concrete can half the effects of gamma rays and simply digging a large hole (6feet) and covering with poles and earth can save the life of the occupants.
The point I'm trying to make with this article is that although you may think that life wouldnt be worth living after a nuclear war it might be that you are basing this idea of myths by the media.
I advise you all to go download this ebook -
Kearny, Cresson - (Non Fiction) Nuclear War Survival Skills.It puts to bed alot of myths and gives pro-active instructions on how to survive the unsurvivable. I found it on the pirate bay and it comes with alot of end of the world fictionin this torrent ( you can just choose the ebook) and Its provided under a public license so its all free to read and you cant be jailed for using the pirate bay.
http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4727629/(Post)_Apocalyptic_eBook_Collection_v2.2