Infectious: Pathogens and How We Fight Them

The human body is a marvel, but what happens when it comes under attack? 'Lovely, warm, erudite, and, above all, chatty' is how Chris van Tulleken, author of Ultra Processed People, describes Infectious. Nature wants us dead, but we can fight back with tools like vaccines and antibiotics. Infectious is a vital overview of what goes awry in our bodies and a hopeful story of ongoing human ingenuity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2021
Publisher: Oneworld Publications

The human body is a marvel, but what happens when it comes under attack? A fascinating guide to why we get sick and how we get better.

"Lovely, warm, erudite, and, above all, chatty," Chris van Tulleken, author of Ultra Processed People, describes Nature.

Nature wants you dead. Not just you, but your children and everyone you have ever met and everyone they have ever met; in fact, everyone. It wants you to cough and sneeze and poop yourself into an early grave. It wants your blood vessels to burst and pustules to explode all over your body. And – until recently – it was really good at doing this.

The subject of infection and how to fight it grows more urgent every day. How do pathogens cause disease? And what tools can we give our bodies to do battle? Infectious is not only a vital overview of what goes awry in our bodies, but also a hopeful story of ongoing human ingenuity.

The human body is a complex and fascinating machine, capable of incredible feats of healing and regeneration. However, it is also vulnerable to a wide range of diseases and infections. In this article, we will explore the causes of infection, the different types of infections that can affect the body, and the ways in which we can prevent and treat these infections.

One of the primary causes of infection is the presence of pathogens, which are microscopic organisms that can invade the body and cause disease. Pathogens can be found in a wide range of environments, including soil, water, food, and the air. Some pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, can cause acute infections that can be life-threatening. Other pathogens, such as fungi and parasites, can cause chronic infections that can be difficult to treat.

There are many different types of infections that can affect the body, including bacterial infections, viral infections, fungal infections, and parasitic infections. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia, are caused by bacteria that invade the body and multiply. Viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, and COVID-19, are caused by viruses that invade the body and replicate. Fungal infections, such as thrush and meningitis, are caused by fungi that invade the body and multiply. Parasitic infections, such as malaria and helminthiasis, are caused by parasites that invade the body and feed on its tissues.

In addition to the presence of pathogens, other factors can increase the risk of infection. These factors include poor hygiene, exposure to contaminated environments, and underlying health conditions. For example, people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are at higher risk of infection. Similarly, people who live in poverty or in environments with poor sanitation are at higher risk of infection.

Preventing and treating infections is essential to maintaining good health and preventing the spread of disease. There are several steps that individuals can take to reduce their risk of infection. These steps include practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with sick people. Additionally, individuals should be vaccinated against certain infectious diseases, such as measles, mumps, and rubella, and should avoid exposure to contaminated environments, such as raw meat or contaminated water.

If an individual does become infected with an infection, there are several treatment options available. These options may include antibiotics, antiviral medications, antifungal medications, or antiparasitic medications, depending on the type of infection. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide intensive treatment and monitoring.

In conclusion, the human body is a complex and fascinating machine, capable of incredible feats of healing and regeneration. However, it is also vulnerable to a wide range of diseases and infections. By understanding the causes of infection, the different types of infections that can affect the body, and the ways in which we can prevent and treat these infections, we can maintain good health and prevent the spread of disease.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780861541225