In this episode, Heather unpacks one of 2025’s most urgent and underreported global health crises. Cholera—an ancient disease we know how to prevent and treat—is resurging across dozens of countries. But this isn’t about biology alone. From Sudan’s displaced families to Angola’s overcrowded clinics and the gold fields of the DRC, people are dying not from mystery—but from neglect. You’ll learn what cholera is, how it spreads, how communities are stepping up where systems have failed and why that isn't enough.…

Rabies is one of the deadliest viruses known to science—but its cultural legacy may be even more enduring. Rabies has stalked the screen for decades, not just as a disease, but as a symbol of primal fear, uncontrollable rage, and the thin line between animal and human. This episode investigates the biology of rabies bites and its eerie neurological symptoms, while examining its transformation into a metaphor for rage, madness, and monsterhood in popular media. Featuring deep dives into Cujo , a shocking Criminal Minds episode, and a host of pop culture references from Old Yeller to 28 Days Later , this episode traces how rabies bites into our deepest fears—both real and reel.…

This episode is a little different. After relaunching and dropping 18 episodes since April, Heather finally shares the personal story behind why she left her blog/podcast/social media—and why she came back. From life upheaval and burnout to pandemic loss and resilience, this is the story behind Infectious Dose. If you're new here, it's a great place to understand the mission behind the mic. And if you've been following since the early days—this one’s for you.…

As global focus drifts and vaccine narratives fade, polio—a disease once on the brink of eradication—is finding new paths to persist. In this episode, Heather unpacks the World Health Organization’s latest alerts on circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2), explores newly issued travel advisories, and traces the virus’s quiet resurgence. From the politics of prevention to the myths that still haunt public memory, we examine how a preventable disease is returning, not because science failed, but because we stopped listening.…

This Fourth of July, we’re serving flaming absurdity alongside a tribute to scientists under attack. In this science-meets-comedy special, Heather tackles the patriotic chaos of backyard BBQs, rogue mortars, and the bacterial battleground of summer salads. Featuring real disaster stories, expert food tips, and a powerful closing tribute to U.S. scientists with an original poem that will leave you ready to Stand Up For Science. Laughter, learning, and lighter fluid: this is Grill, Thrill, & Kill .…

More than five years since the start of COVID-19, the virus is still here — evolving, spreading, and leaving lasting impacts. In this episode of Infectious Dose , Heather—a virologist-turned-science writer—examines the costs of the erosion of protective messaging, what new data say about reinfection, and the risks of losing vaccine access under a shifting political landscape. From airborne transmission to long COVID, this episode unpacks the real-time consequences of disinformation, underreaction, and systemic neglect. Because the pandemic isn’t over—we’ve just stopped talking about it.…

What if our biggest mistake in vaccine communication wasn’t misinformation—but misexpectation? In this episode of Infectious Dose, Heather digs into the seductive myth of sterilizing immunity—the idea that a “perfect” vaccine blocks infection completely—and explores how this scientific fable has distorted public expectations, undermined trust, and set back our ability to fight infectious diseases. From the remote Faroe Islands in 1846 to the fractured COVID-19 response, Heather takes listeners on a journey through vaccine history, immunology, and public health strategy. We break down what herd immunity really is (and isn’t), why breakthrough infections aren’t failures, and how chasing an unmeasurable ideal can derail real-world protection. Forget perfection. This episode is about what actually works: disease prevention, reduced transmission, and building public trust—one honest conversation at a time.…

In this episode, Heather delves into the story of Sin Nombre virus and the disease it causes, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. From its rodent origins and rapid progression to the public health response and scientific breakthroughs that followed, we explore how a rare virus rewrote the rules of infectious disease in North America—and why it remains a threat, even in obscurity.…

Heather gives updates on 2025 measles outbreaks in every region of the world and discusses global efforts to curb them. She also debunks the deadly lies about measles from RFK Jr. in her fan favorite segment WTF-RFK! and answers listener questions in her new segment Hot Zone Hotline. Explicit rating is for mild and limited profanity because, I mean, RFK.…

Pregnant and wondering which vaccines are safe? Heather separates myths from facts & shares exactly what science says about vaccine safety during pregnancy—because you and your baby deserve the best protection!

Invasive meningococcal disease strikes fast—and often without warning—especially in close-contact environments like college dorms and military barracks. While it’s rare, the consequences can be devastating: death within hours, or lifelong complications like limb loss and brain damage. In this episode Heather explains all about how Neisseria meningitidis , a bacterium that many carry unknowingly, transforms from harmless passenger to lethal invader. With rising case numbers and low vaccine uptake, especially for serogroup B, understanding the risks and protections has never been more urgent.…

In the 5th episode in her vaccine safety series, Heather gives straightforward, science-based answers to some of the most common questions about what’s in vaccines including an in-depth look at what's in several specific vaccines and the truth debunking false claims you've seen recently in the media.…

Anthrax is one of the oldest infectious diseases known to science. Its ability to survive harsh environments and reemerge as a deadly pathogen centuries later is a biological marvel—and a global health concern. Heather covers all you want to know about anthrax from its formidable spore structure and use as a bioweapon, to its recent outbreaks and potential to transform cancer therapy.…

Heather digs in to the truth about the vaccine court and how its history of claims supports that vaccines are safe! Explicit rating for mild, limited profanity.

Is bird flu’s resurgence a warning sign worth heeding? Heather digs into the science, the stakes, and what this latest avian alarm could mean for global health. Explicit rating for mild, limited profanity.

Heather goes in-depth on why the current vaccine schedule is safe and effective for children and newborns. Infectiousdose.com Marked explicit for possible limited, mild profanity.

In the first of several episodes on vaccine safety, Heather explains how we know vaccines are safe and do not cause autism. She provides all her sources and links in the corresponding blog post at Infectiousdose.com. Marked explicit for limited and mild profanity.

In the second vaccine safety episode, Heather describes how Andrew Wakefield's fraudulent science cost the world the elimination of measles and hurt children. With evidence to back it up, she goes into detail on what he did and how he still manipulates parents fears to make money. Marked explicit for limited and mild profanity.…

Heather delivers the scoop on the disease caused by measles, including symptoms, transmission, prevention, treatment, what's in the very safe vaccines, and dangerous complications and long-term health problems of natural infection. Marked explicit for possible limited, mild profanity.

This is the original Pathogen Perspectives episode rebranded for Infectious Dose, originally published in 2020. Heather provides an in-depth discussion on the COVID-19 vaccine platforms other than mRNA, that were in clinical trials around the world. These include self-replicating mRNA, DNA, Protein-based, Attenuated virus, Inactivated virus, Repurposed vaccines, and virus vector vaccines. Heather discusses what each platform is and their pros and cons.…

This is the original Pathogen Perspectives Episode published in 2020, rebranded for Infectious Dose. Heather provides an in-depth discussion on the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines authorized for emergency use in the US. She covers: · What is mRNA · How mRNA vaccines work · How we know they are safe · Why they cannot change your DNA · How long might immunity last · Why those who’ve recovered from COVID-19 should get vaccinated · Comparison between the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines and more.…