Infectious diseases are disorders caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, and they are on the rise.
Conditions range from historically devastating epidemics like influenza and tuberculosis to sexually transmitted diseases to infections that are preventable by vaccine, like chickenpox or measles.
By 2050, infectious diseases could surpass heart disease as the world’s number one killer and create healthcare costs of at least $100 trillion, according to a leading research institute in San Antonio.
From antimicrobial resistance to the social determinants of health, what factors are playing into current public health trends?
Who's most at risk and what do you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones?
What's being done to fight the growth and spread of superbugs?
Guests:
- Dr. Larry Schlesinger, President & CEO of Texas Biomed
- Anita Kurian, assistant director of the Communicable Disease Division of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department
- Liise-anne Pirofski, head of the Infectious Disease division at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
This interview is available on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.
