Though the word "pandemic" often conjures up an immediate vision of an appalling, acutely lethal and visually terrifying disease, in actuality, these really aren't the infections that we have to worry about when it comes to rapid, global spread. In Pandemics: What Everyone Needs to Know, Peter Doherty demystifies the Hollywood version of global infections and considers instead what pandemics really are, what situations encourage their spread, and whichpathogens pose the greatest threat today. He also explains the various responses available to combat outbreaks and mitigate their effects, from the use of vaccines and drugs to quarantine.