An Introduction to Infectious Diseases

Course Overview

Arm yourself with scientific facts about bacterial infections, viruses, vaccines, and more in this engaging course by an award-winning professor and physician.

Infectious diseases impact everyone on the planet. From minor ailments like the common cold to serious conditions like Ebola, infections are a constant in our lives. These diseases account for 26 percent of all deaths globally, following only cardiovascular diseases. In the 24 engaging lectures of this course, Dr. Barry Fox provides a comprehensive overview of various diseases, exploring the microscopic particles responsible for them: bacteria, fungi, hybrid germs, and viruses.

You’ll learn how these pathogens invade the body, see inside their structures, follow their effects on different body systems, and understand the challenges in combating certain germs. Gain a solid understanding of vaccinations, tips for maintaining a healthier home environment, and valuable advice for travelers. With Dr. Fox’s engaging teaching style, you’ll be equipped to make informed health choices for yourself and your loved ones.

Course Content

01: The Dynamic World of Infectious Disease (32 min)

02: Bacteria: Heroes and Villains (32 min)

03: Viruses: Hijackers of Your Body’s Cells (33 min)

04: Moldy Menaces and Fungal Diseases (31 min)

05: Milestones in Infectious Disease History (33 min)

06: Antibiotics: A Modern Miracle Lost? (33 min)

07: Which Germs in Your Daily Life Matter? (31 min)

08: Six Decades of Infectious Disease Challenges (31 min)

09: Vaccines Save Lives (32 min)

10: The Immune System: Our Great Protector (32 min)

11: Zoonosis: Germs Leap from Animals to Humans (33 min)

12: Tick-Borne Diseases: A Public Health Menace (31 min)

13: Food-Borne Illness: What’s Your Gut Feeling? (32 min)

14: Respiratory and Brain Infections (30 min)

15: Flesh-Eating Bacteria and Blood Poisoning (32 min)

16: STDs and Other Infections below the Belt (31 min)

17: Stay Out of the Hospital! (31 min)

18: The Nemesis of Mankind: HIV and AIDS (31 min)

19: Malaria and Tuberculosis: Global Killers (32 min)

20: Global Travel, War, and Natural Disasters (32 min)

21: Influenza: Past and Future Threat (32 min)

22: Bioterrorism: How Worried Should We Be? (32 min)

23: Emerging and Reemerging Diseases (31 min)

24: Outbreak! Contagion! The Next Pandemic! (35 min)