An Introduction to Infectious Diseases

By: Barry C. Fox, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Barry C. Fox

Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Infectious diseases touch the lives of everyone on the planet. Whether it's something as minor as a brush with the common cold or as serious as Ebola, we all have grappled with infections and will continue to encounter them as we age.

On a worldwide scale, infectious diseases account for 26 percent of all deaths, second only to cardiovascular diseases. And unlike chronic diseases, infectious diseases are unique in their potential for explosive global impacts.

Now, in the 24 engaging lectures of Introduction to Infectious Diseases, you can get a comprehensive overview of diseases from the mundane to the fatal from renowned physician and award-winning professor Dr. Barry Fox.

Begin with an overview of the microscopic particles responsible for disease: bacteria, fungi, hybrid germs, and viruses. You will see how they invade the body; look through the microscope at pathogens to identify their inner components; follow germs through to different body systems and see what effects they have; and learn why we may be losing the battle against some germs.

Cut through the medical myths and get a solidly scientific guide to keeping yourself and your loved ones as protected as possible from pathogens, including a no-nonsense guide to vaccinations, tips on keeping a healthier home environment, and valuable advice for world travelers.

Whether you have a love for biology, a curiosity about the world's many infectious diseases, or a certain amount of trepidation about what the future holds, you will enjoy Dr. Fox's impeccable bedside manner, insider knowledge, and humorous personal stories. And, most importantly, you will be empowered to make the best choices for yourself, your loved ones, and future generations.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2015 The Great Courses (P)2015 The Teaching Company, LLC

Easy to understand medicine

Here's a professor so well versed in medicine, the cause and spread of infectious diseases and how to prevent them. Surprisingly, most serious illnesses can be prevented by using simple, quick precautions most people don't pay attention to. In that regard, this course is golden.

Great Review!!!

Excellent presentation!!! It was a great review of material I already knew as a RN, and as always, I learned new and valuable information that will enhance my practice!!!

Life before COVID-19.

Clear, concise, informative, interesting. I'm nurse and I enjoyed learning and being reminded of the little critters that are everywhere. The instructor spoke clearly and was well paced. A detracting part was one of the chapters/lessons had a section that was repeated word for word. The last chapter also was quite interesting when he talked about the next pandemic. I don't recall the year that this came out but it was before COVID. The Corona virus wasn't ruled out but it was considered less likely to be the next pandemic. Interesting. However, he did discuss how it could affect the world economy; that was pretty much spot on.

Incredible Information for International Travelers

In this age of international travel, infectious disease has become a significant problem unlike in times before. This course is a fascinating look at that topic and provides a much-needed expansion of our understanding of the dangers and the steps being taken by the medical profession to keep us healthy and protected.

Enjoyable & Informative

I’m a nurse with a broad knowledge of zoonotic diseases, I enjoyed the information and recommend this for medical & non-medical personnel. I do wish he would give a more in-depth class or intermediate & even advanced zoonotic epidemiological lecture also.

Especially important in the age of COVID-19

If world leaders were aware of the content of this course, it seems obviously that the damage of the 2020 would be greatly reduced. An essential learning experience.

Great information and prediction

This book was very informative. The author predicted the COVID pandemic and where it would originate from. I think a post COVID update to the book would be a good idea.

Informative and Very Modern and Well Presented

All about Viruses, Bacteria, Molds, fungus, parasites, germs, antibiotics, vaccines, bioterrorism and Historical Cases of illness. For a detailed outline of what is covered you can go to the "Great Courses" website.

The Presentation is Well delivered and very informative. It is basic information, nothing very advanced but I still learned quite a bit. The lecturer strikes a nice balance between basic knowledge, technical knowledge, practical advice, historical content and personal experiences. Not the most entertaining style but better than average.

Good material

You will not believe the last chapter. Wow! If only the author could provide a follow up chapter.

easy to understand intro to infectious diseases

If you could sum up An Introduction to Infectious Diseases in three words, what would they be?

informative, accessible, entertaining

Any additional comments?

These lectures explain bacteria, viruses, even the effectiveness of antibiotics and hygiene products. If you have interest on how these little intruders work and how to reduce your risk then I definitely would recommend this.