Infectous Dose Episodes

A curated “booster” episode of Infectious Dose that guides listeners through vaccine safety, misinformation, and science—perfect for Immunization Awareness Month.

Summary Dying of Thirst: Cholera in the Age of Abundance dives into one of the most underreported but devastating public health emergencies of our time. In 2025, cholera—a disease we know how to prevent and treat—is resurging across the globe. From Sudan’s displaced children to Angola’s overflowing hospitals and the flooded gold fields of the DRC, thousands are dying not because of medical mystery, but because of systemic neglect. This episode brings you inside the crisis thr

From Stephen King’s Cujo to a chilling Criminal Minds twist, rabies has infected more than the body—it’s haunted the screen for decades. In this episode, Heather unravels how rabies—through its terrifying biology—evolved into a cultural icon of madness, fear, and transformation.

Virologist-turned-science-writer Heather McSharry, PhD shares why she left her blog/podcast — and what brought her back. A personal episode about clarity, purpose, and rebooting.

A deep dive into how polio—once nearly eradicated—is making a global comeback through vaccine-derived strains, low immunization, and public health setbacks. Heather unpacks the science, history, and urgency of stopping its return.

A Fourth of July Stand-up extravaganza in which Heather blows the lid off summer food poisoning & firework safety. And beneath the punchlines, she offers a genuine Stand Up for Science tribute to scientists doing the hard work in a country that’s making it harder every day.

Heather digs into the WHO’s latest data on rising COVID-19 activity, explores the emergence of new variants like NB.1.8.1, examines the troublingly low global vaccine uptake, and connects the dots between surveillance, science, and public response.

Heather unpacks the seductive myth of sterilizing immunity and the damage it’s done to public trust, vaccine policy, and our understanding of what vaccine success really looks like.

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, Learn how it rewrote the rules of infectious disease in North America—and why it remains a threat, even in obscurity.

Heather gives updates on the global 2025 measles outbreaks, answers listener questions, and debunks the deadly lies from RFK Jr.

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!

Heather dives deep into a bacterium that many carry unknowingly, but can transform from harmless passenger to lethal invader, especially for young adults.

Heather clarifies what components vaccines actually contain and how we know they are safe.

In the anthrax episode, Heather takes you through the fascinating science of this terrifying microbe.

Heather digs in to the truth about the vaccine court and how its history of claims supports that vaccines are safe!

Is the 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.

Heather goes in-depth on why the current vaccine schedule is safe and effective.

Everything you need to know about measles.

How a corrupt doctor hurt children & parents to make money & created a legacy of fear.

Heather discusses the data showing zero correlation between vaccines and autism.