The Control of Viral Infections

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the crucial role of involving and informing society about science, helping us all make better-informed decisions. Today, we’ll delve into the world of viruses, focusing on those that cause diseases in humans. We’ll clarify the difference between outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, and explore how new disease-causing viruses emerge.

Our conversation will also cover the prevention and treatment of viral infections. We’ll examine why vaccines remain the most effective preventive measure to protect both humans and animals, and why some vaccines work with just a single or spaced dosage, while others require frequent updates. We'll also explore the challenges in creating vaccines against viruses like HIV.

Lastly, we’ll discuss the distinct roles of vaccines and antivirals: vaccines prevent infections or mitigate severe disease, while antivirals treat infections once they occur. In closing, I’ll touch on how we can expand our arsenal of antiviral strategies moving forward.