Heather McSharry, PhD
@pathogenscribe.bsky.social
Virologist turned science writer. She/her. Fighting science misinformation with a podcast/blog. Infectiousdose.com
My views are my own & do not represent any organization
My views are my own & do not represent any organization
Pinned
The Right Stuff for Texas: An Interview with Terry Virts on Science-Based Leadership
A conversation with astronaut and Texas congressional candidate Terry Virts on science-based leadership, public health, vaccines, and why evidence matters in policy decisions.
www.infectiousdose.com
Science doesn’t care about party lines.
Viruses don’t negotiate.
Gravity doesn’t compromise.
New episode is live — a conversation on leadership, public health, and respecting reality with @AstroTerry.
🎧 www.infectiousdose.com/post/the-rig...
Viruses don’t negotiate.
Gravity doesn’t compromise.
New episode is live — a conversation on leadership, public health, and respecting reality with @AstroTerry.
🎧 www.infectiousdose.com/post/the-rig...
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
Read this week's TRANSMISSION for the latest news on H5 Avian Influenza, Measles, Influenza, Mpox, and COVID-19.
Read here: www.unmc.edu/healthsecuri...
#Mpox #Meales #H5N1 #Influenza #COVID19
Read here: www.unmc.edu/healthsecuri...
#Mpox #Meales #H5N1 #Influenza #COVID19
January 22, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Read this week's TRANSMISSION for the latest news on H5 Avian Influenza, Measles, Influenza, Mpox, and COVID-19.
Read here: www.unmc.edu/healthsecuri...
#Mpox #Meales #H5N1 #Influenza #COVID19
Read here: www.unmc.edu/healthsecuri...
#Mpox #Meales #H5N1 #Influenza #COVID19
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
Over half a decade in, and we're living in two realities about COVID-19.
In one: the pandemic is over, life is normal, nobody worries anymore.
In the other: 700,000+ daily infections in the US. 400 million people living with long COVID.\
Only one is right.
blog.brennanbrown.ca/the-schizoph...
In one: the pandemic is over, life is normal, nobody worries anymore.
In the other: 700,000+ daily infections in the US. 400 million people living with long COVID.\
Only one is right.
blog.brennanbrown.ca/the-schizoph...
The Schizophrenic Reality of a Pandemic That Never Ended
Five years into COVID-19, the virus continues to disable millions. Yet, the world has decided to move on. Why is that?
blog.brennanbrown.ca
January 20, 2026 at 2:25 AM
Over half a decade in, and we're living in two realities about COVID-19.
In one: the pandemic is over, life is normal, nobody worries anymore.
In the other: 700,000+ daily infections in the US. 400 million people living with long COVID.\
Only one is right.
blog.brennanbrown.ca/the-schizoph...
In one: the pandemic is over, life is normal, nobody worries anymore.
In the other: 700,000+ daily infections in the US. 400 million people living with long COVID.\
Only one is right.
blog.brennanbrown.ca/the-schizoph...
🎙️ Now live: From Spillover to Weapons
A conversation with biorisk expert
@brownecfm.bsky.social
on why clarity matters more than fear for biological threats — natural, accidental, or deliberate.
🎧 Listen on your fav podcast player or here:
#InfectiousDose
www.infectiousdose.com/post/biorisk...
A conversation with biorisk expert
@brownecfm.bsky.social
on why clarity matters more than fear for biological threats — natural, accidental, or deliberate.
🎧 Listen on your fav podcast player or here:
#InfectiousDose
www.infectiousdose.com/post/biorisk...
From Spillover to Weapons: A Conversation with Conor Browne on Biological Threats
A biodefense expert explains what biological weapons really are, why most pathogens aren’t weapons, and how misinformation increases real biological risk.
www.infectiousdose.com
January 21, 2026 at 7:59 PM
🎙️ Now live: From Spillover to Weapons
A conversation with biorisk expert
@brownecfm.bsky.social
on why clarity matters more than fear for biological threats — natural, accidental, or deliberate.
🎧 Listen on your fav podcast player or here:
#InfectiousDose
www.infectiousdose.com/post/biorisk...
A conversation with biorisk expert
@brownecfm.bsky.social
on why clarity matters more than fear for biological threats — natural, accidental, or deliberate.
🎧 Listen on your fav podcast player or here:
#InfectiousDose
www.infectiousdose.com/post/biorisk...
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
Simply horrifying. The whole of DHS has got to be disbanded. We did just fine without them before.
January 15, 2026 at 7:35 PM
Simply horrifying. The whole of DHS has got to be disbanded. We did just fine without them before.
Huge congrats to The Sentinel team on the $100M MacArthur Foundation 100&Change award for transforming infectious disease surveillance & #pandemicprevention! 🎉
🌍 Your work will save lives. 👏 #GlobalHealth
hsph.harvard.edu/news/harvard...
🌍 Your work will save lives. 👏 #GlobalHealth
hsph.harvard.edu/news/harvard...
Harvard Chan researchers win $100 million MacArthur grant for infectious disease surveillance system | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Harvard Chan's Pardis Sabeti and Christian Happi share more about their project and why they’re determined to use their grant to uplift the global public health community.
hsph.harvard.edu
January 15, 2026 at 3:24 AM
Huge congrats to The Sentinel team on the $100M MacArthur Foundation 100&Change award for transforming infectious disease surveillance & #pandemicprevention! 🎉
🌍 Your work will save lives. 👏 #GlobalHealth
hsph.harvard.edu/news/harvard...
🌍 Your work will save lives. 👏 #GlobalHealth
hsph.harvard.edu/news/harvard...
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
If it will hurt Americans, he'll do it: www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
Trump administration sends letter wiping out addiction, mental health grants
The Trump administration sent hundreds of letters Tuesday terminating federal grants supporting mental health and drug addiction services. The cuts could total as much as $2 billion.
www.npr.org
January 14, 2026 at 5:52 PM
If it will hurt Americans, he'll do it: www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
Science doesn’t care about party lines.
Viruses don’t negotiate.
Gravity doesn’t compromise.
New episode is live — a conversation on leadership, public health, and respecting reality with @AstroTerry.
🎧 www.infectiousdose.com/post/the-rig...
Viruses don’t negotiate.
Gravity doesn’t compromise.
New episode is live — a conversation on leadership, public health, and respecting reality with @AstroTerry.
🎧 www.infectiousdose.com/post/the-rig...
The Right Stuff for Texas: An Interview with Terry Virts on Science-Based Leadership
A conversation with astronaut and Texas congressional candidate Terry Virts on science-based leadership, public health, vaccines, and why evidence matters in policy decisions.
www.infectiousdose.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Science doesn’t care about party lines.
Viruses don’t negotiate.
Gravity doesn’t compromise.
New episode is live — a conversation on leadership, public health, and respecting reality with @AstroTerry.
🎧 www.infectiousdose.com/post/the-rig...
Viruses don’t negotiate.
Gravity doesn’t compromise.
New episode is live — a conversation on leadership, public health, and respecting reality with @AstroTerry.
🎧 www.infectiousdose.com/post/the-rig...
My interview with
@AstroTerry
drops tonight at midnight CST.
Hey Texas, y'all don't want to miss this one.
#InfectiousDose #PublicHealth #Science
infectiousdose.com
@AstroTerry
drops tonight at midnight CST.
Hey Texas, y'all don't want to miss this one.
#InfectiousDose #PublicHealth #Science
infectiousdose.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:07 AM
My interview with
@AstroTerry
drops tonight at midnight CST.
Hey Texas, y'all don't want to miss this one.
#InfectiousDose #PublicHealth #Science
infectiousdose.com
@AstroTerry
drops tonight at midnight CST.
Hey Texas, y'all don't want to miss this one.
#InfectiousDose #PublicHealth #Science
infectiousdose.com
🚀An astronaut’s perspective.
🦠A virologist’s lens.
One conversation about why science has to be part of policy decisions.
New episode drops Tuesday at midnight CST.
#InfectiousDose #TerryVirts
🦠A virologist’s lens.
One conversation about why science has to be part of policy decisions.
New episode drops Tuesday at midnight CST.
#InfectiousDose #TerryVirts
January 12, 2026 at 4:59 AM
🚀An astronaut’s perspective.
🦠A virologist’s lens.
One conversation about why science has to be part of policy decisions.
New episode drops Tuesday at midnight CST.
#InfectiousDose #TerryVirts
🦠A virologist’s lens.
One conversation about why science has to be part of policy decisions.
New episode drops Tuesday at midnight CST.
#InfectiousDose #TerryVirts
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
Mike Coston: afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/01/paho...
PAHO Epidemiological Alert: Simultaneous Circulation of Seasonal Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus - 9 January 2026
#19,015 While it is not exactly ` news ' that the Northern Hemisphere is being battered by a particularly intense H3N2 flu season (see Wh...
afludiary.blogspot.com
January 11, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Mike Coston: afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/01/paho...
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
Mike Coston: afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/01/spor...
Sporadic Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) Shortages Reported In U.S. & Canada
FluView Week #53 #19,014 With seasonal influenza raging in North America, Europe, and Asia it isn't terribly surprising that we are - onc...
afludiary.blogspot.com
January 11, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Mike Coston: afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/01/spor...
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
#Birdflu viruses are raising concerns among scientists.
Researchers aren't just worried about the virus popping up on American farms, but anywhere around the world. Most people are aware of bridflu virus, H5N1. But scientists are keeping an eye other types, including the rapidly evolving H9N2👇
Researchers aren't just worried about the virus popping up on American farms, but anywhere around the world. Most people are aware of bridflu virus, H5N1. But scientists are keeping an eye other types, including the rapidly evolving H9N2👇
Bird Flu Viruses Raise Mounting Concerns Among Scientists
www.nytimes.com
January 10, 2026 at 8:43 PM
#Birdflu viruses are raising concerns among scientists.
Researchers aren't just worried about the virus popping up on American farms, but anywhere around the world. Most people are aware of bridflu virus, H5N1. But scientists are keeping an eye other types, including the rapidly evolving H9N2👇
Researchers aren't just worried about the virus popping up on American farms, but anywhere around the world. Most people are aware of bridflu virus, H5N1. But scientists are keeping an eye other types, including the rapidly evolving H9N2👇
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
Now that RFKjr has gutted the childhood vaccination schedule, the loss of protection could revive a rare but deadly disease. The shift away routine meningococcal vaccination will leave more children & adolescents at risk of devastating infections www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdi...
New CDC Guidance Could Revive a Rare but Deadly Disease
How risk-based recommendation could reshape childhood meningococcal disease
www.medpagetoday.com
January 10, 2026 at 9:21 PM
Now that RFKjr has gutted the childhood vaccination schedule, the loss of protection could revive a rare but deadly disease. The shift away routine meningococcal vaccination will leave more children & adolescents at risk of devastating infections www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdi...
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
come and get em nerds
Make someone’s Valentine’s Day significant by showing your love for science and public health!
Available until 01/17.
Proceeds support the National Public Health Coalition (NPHC).
Available until 01/17.
Proceeds support the National Public Health Coalition (NPHC).
Support Snuggles for Science Valentine's Edition for National Public Health Coalition
Let your friends and loved ones know they are statistically significant with this adorable Valentine's edition of Snuggles for Science. Your purchase helps pay for the supplies and services the Nation...
www.customink.com
January 11, 2026 at 1:14 AM
come and get em nerds
NOW LIVE: New episode:
Seasonal, Not Safe: Influenza 2025–2026
Flu is surging. Kids are dying. Policy is shifting.
Why this virus still demands respect — and how weakened vaccine guidance could cost lives.
🎧 Listen now: www.infectiousdose.com/post/flu-sea...
#FluSeason #PublicHealth
Seasonal, Not Safe: Influenza 2025–2026
Flu is surging. Kids are dying. Policy is shifting.
Why this virus still demands respect — and how weakened vaccine guidance could cost lives.
🎧 Listen now: www.infectiousdose.com/post/flu-sea...
#FluSeason #PublicHealth
Seasonal, Not Safe: Influenza 2025–2026
SummaryFlu isn’t just seasonal — it’s dangerous. As the 2025–2026 influenza season intensifies, this episode examines why “just the flu” can be devastating, even for healthy children and adults. From ...
www.infectiousdose.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:51 AM
NOW LIVE: New episode:
Seasonal, Not Safe: Influenza 2025–2026
Flu is surging. Kids are dying. Policy is shifting.
Why this virus still demands respect — and how weakened vaccine guidance could cost lives.
🎧 Listen now: www.infectiousdose.com/post/flu-sea...
#FluSeason #PublicHealth
Seasonal, Not Safe: Influenza 2025–2026
Flu is surging. Kids are dying. Policy is shifting.
Why this virus still demands respect — and how weakened vaccine guidance could cost lives.
🎧 Listen now: www.infectiousdose.com/post/flu-sea...
#FluSeason #PublicHealth
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
“As it turns out, children are dying and in some cases in Louisiana from measles and pertussis and as a doc who saw people die from hepatitis A and hepatitis B of course I understand the importance of those vaccines. I don't want any child dying from something that's so preventable,” Cassidy said.
Some Louisiana doctors push back on CDC’s new vaccine guidance for kids
Sen. Bill Cassidy and a Tulane pediatrician stress the safety and necessity of vaccines for children.
www.wwltv.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:52 AM
“As it turns out, children are dying and in some cases in Louisiana from measles and pertussis and as a doc who saw people die from hepatitis A and hepatitis B of course I understand the importance of those vaccines. I don't want any child dying from something that's so preventable,” Cassidy said.
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
This is a policy choice. As Dr. Gottlieb recently put the issue on CNBC: if we substantially reduce vaccination rates, "we're going to have to build new pediatric hospitals." www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8CJ...
Shifting many pediatric vaccines into the category of shared clinical decision-making means in many red states governors and legislators will be pressured to strip them from school-entry requirements. Vaccination rates could fall sharply with stark regional differences in protection against disease
Federal health officials slash recommended childhood vaccinations under Trump’s directive
The number of recommended childhood shots drops from 17 to 11.
www.statnews.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:21 PM
This is a policy choice. As Dr. Gottlieb recently put the issue on CNBC: if we substantially reduce vaccination rates, "we're going to have to build new pediatric hospitals." www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8CJ...
New episode of #InfectiousDose drops tomorrow at midnight CST:
We'll look at where flu really is right now — in the U.S. & globally — & why this season matters more than it might seem.
We’ll talk the virus, the disease, the data, & why the vaccine still saves lives every year.
We'll look at where flu really is right now — in the U.S. & globally — & why this season matters more than it might seem.
We’ll talk the virus, the disease, the data, & why the vaccine still saves lives every year.
January 5, 2026 at 10:47 PM
New episode of #InfectiousDose drops tomorrow at midnight CST:
We'll look at where flu really is right now — in the U.S. & globally — & why this season matters more than it might seem.
We’ll talk the virus, the disease, the data, & why the vaccine still saves lives every year.
We'll look at where flu really is right now — in the U.S. & globally — & why this season matters more than it might seem.
We’ll talk the virus, the disease, the data, & why the vaccine still saves lives every year.
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
This New Year’s episode is now live.
No resolutions.
No forced optimism.
Just a reset — and permission to rest, show up, and stay curious when you can.
🕯️ Still Curious: A New Year’s Reset (with no resolutions)
www.infectiousdose.com/post/still-c...
No resolutions.
No forced optimism.
Just a reset — and permission to rest, show up, and stay curious when you can.
🕯️ Still Curious: A New Year’s Reset (with no resolutions)
www.infectiousdose.com/post/still-c...
Still Curious: A New Year's Reset (with no resolutions)
A reflective New Year’s episode of Infectious Dose about resetting without resolutions, staying curious in hard times, and finding calm at the start of a new year.
www.infectiousdose.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:23 PM
This New Year’s episode is now live.
No resolutions.
No forced optimism.
Just a reset — and permission to rest, show up, and stay curious when you can.
🕯️ Still Curious: A New Year’s Reset (with no resolutions)
www.infectiousdose.com/post/still-c...
No resolutions.
No forced optimism.
Just a reset — and permission to rest, show up, and stay curious when you can.
🕯️ Still Curious: A New Year’s Reset (with no resolutions)
www.infectiousdose.com/post/still-c...
😂
BRB starting a company called Tertiary Syphilis.
Sauron is appearing on the scene as concerns rise about crime among the most wealthy.
December 29, 2025 at 4:22 AM
😂
Reposted by Heather McSharry, PhD
"The infrastructure meant to catch the birf flu virus in its early stages is fraying. The agencies that once charted the terrain of emerging pandemic threats have been hollowed out – budgets trimmed, staff evaporated."
www.sciencealert.com/the-world-is...
www.sciencealert.com/the-world-is...
The World Is Sleeping on Bird Flu, Expert Warns
There's an unwritten rule in publishing, or so I've been told: Don't write about COVID.
www.sciencealert.com
December 29, 2025 at 3:54 AM
"The infrastructure meant to catch the birf flu virus in its early stages is fraying. The agencies that once charted the terrain of emerging pandemic threats have been hollowed out – budgets trimmed, staff evaporated."
www.sciencealert.com/the-world-is...
www.sciencealert.com/the-world-is...
Ring in the New Year with me!
A New Year’s episode is dropping Tuesday at midnight.
No resolutions. No forced optimism.
Just a reset — and a reminder that showing up is enough, and curiosity still matters.
✨ Still Curious: A New Year’s Reset
www.infectiousdose.com
A New Year’s episode is dropping Tuesday at midnight.
No resolutions. No forced optimism.
Just a reset — and a reminder that showing up is enough, and curiosity still matters.
✨ Still Curious: A New Year’s Reset
www.infectiousdose.com
Home | Infectious Dose
Infectious Dose is a science-forward podcast by virologist-turned-science-writer Heather McSharry, PhD, breaking down vaccine myths, viral threats, and public health headlines — one episode at a time.
www.infectiousdose.com
December 29, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Ring in the New Year with me!
A New Year’s episode is dropping Tuesday at midnight.
No resolutions. No forced optimism.
Just a reset — and a reminder that showing up is enough, and curiosity still matters.
✨ Still Curious: A New Year’s Reset
www.infectiousdose.com
A New Year’s episode is dropping Tuesday at midnight.
No resolutions. No forced optimism.
Just a reset — and a reminder that showing up is enough, and curiosity still matters.
✨ Still Curious: A New Year’s Reset
www.infectiousdose.com