Critically Speaking

Richard Conniff: Ending Epidemics

Jan 28, 2025

48:46

In this episode, Therese Markow and Richard Conniff discuss his book "Ending Epidemics," which explores the history of infectious diseases and vaccines. Richard highlights the evolution from ancient humoral theories, which thrived for nearly 2000 years, to modern germ theory, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and vaccination. He recounts the development of the smallpox vaccine by Edward Jenner and the polio vaccine by Jonas Salk, noting initial resistance and the success of widespread vaccination. He also addresses the current resistance to COVID-19 vaccines, stressing the importance of balancing vaccine risks against disease risks. He also warns of the dangers of withdrawing from global health organizations like the WHO.

Key Takeaways:

The Semmelweis Reflex is the tendency of people to stick with what they already believe and ignore clear evidence that it’s wrong.
Smallpox has been eradicated. In many areas, they were still using Jenner’s vaccine, which still worked up until 1980.
With some viruses, illnesses are dormant but can crop up later in life, such as chickenpox and shingles. Viruses hide in the nervous system
When you are thinking about vaccines, think about the disease, and then think about what the relative risk of the vaccine is versus the risk of the disease.

"The problem is that people can develop these imaginary problems with vaccines because they do not have any conception of how awful the disease is that the vaccine is preventing." — Richard Conniff

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