Viruses, pandemics, and immunity

History has demonstrated that infectious diseases can sweep across wide areas of the world killing millions while many others remain unscathed. With the advent of vaccination and advanced treatments, most infections have been somewhat controlled, to the point that few expected an emerging disease such as that brought on by SARS CoV-2, a virus that brought the world to a halt in 2020. No one was prepared, despite the previous breakdown in public health during the H1N1 influenza of 2009. Chakraborty (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Shaw (Genentech; also adjunct at Washington Univ., St. Louis Univ., and Univ. of California, San Francisco) provide an overview of the key factors that contribute to pandemics linked to viruses, beginning with a historical account that leads into the basics of virus structure and replication. Other topics introduced include the immune system, vaccination, and current methods of control. The epilogue details a set of technologies that could help the world be better prepared should we face another pandemic. Suggestions include improved diagnostics and manufacturing of both vaccines and therapeutics. Throughout the book are hand-drawn figures, an interesting way to explain and illustrate the concepts at hand. This explanation of the current world crisis is an easy read for both scientific and nonscientific audiences. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. --Maura Collins Pavao, Worcester State University