epidemic theory

Epidemic theory studies how infectious diseases spread within populations. It examines factors like the rate of transmission, how people interact, and the impact of immunity. Key concepts include the basic reproduction number (R0), which indicates how many people one infected person is likely to infect. This theory helps public health officials predict outbreaks, implement control measures, and understand the dynamics of diseases. Effective interventions can help curb the spread of infections, protect vulnerable groups, and ultimately minimize the impact of epidemics on society.