In this episode of Germs & Jargon, we dive into everything you need to know about West Nile virus—from how it spreads through mosquito bites, to common and severe symptoms, and the latest insights on prevention and treatment. Kicking things off with a nod to Edgar Allan Poe, co-hosts Dr. Mark Miller (infectious disease expert) and Jonathan Hope mix science and storytelling to make this important virus easier to understand. Whether you're a science nerd, a curious listener, or just wondering if that mosquito bite is something more, this episode has you covered.Disclaimer: this podcast and its hosts and guests are delivering educational material. They are not providing professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned that you might have a medical illness, seek appropriate healthcare.
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15:54
Culture Queries #1 - Q&A
In this special Q&A episode of Germs & Jargon, infectious disease expert Dr. Mark Miller answers listener-submitted questions on microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases. Curious about how viruses spread? Wondering about antibiotic resistance or vaccines? Dr. Miller breaks down complex topics into clear, easy-to-understand answers — with real-world insights and no complicated jargon. Whether you're passionate about science, healthcare, or just want to stay informed, this episode delivers valuable information straight from a top infectious disease specialist. Tune in and get smarter about the germs and immunity that impact your daily life!Disclaimer: this podcast and its hosts and guests are delivering educational material. They are not providing professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned that you might have a medical illness, seek appropriate healthcare.
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15:53
Measles
In this episode of Germs & Jargon, we explore measles, a highly contagious viral infection that continues to cause outbreaks around the world. Dr. Miller explains the symptoms of measles, how it spreads, and important facts about MMR vaccines and immunity. Jonathan asks the everyday questions we all want answered: Is measles really that serious? Why is it making a comeback? And what should families know in 2025?Whether you’re a parent, a health professional, or just curious about infectious diseases, this episode breaks it all down in a way that’s clear, smart, and a little funny, because science doesn’t have to be boring.Disclaimer: this podcast and its hosts and guests are delivering educational material. They are not providing professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned that you might have a medical illness, seek appropriate healthcare.
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21:46
Norovirus
In this episode of Germs and Jargon, Dr. Miller and I, Jonathan Hope, dive into the chaos that is Norovirus-nature’s fastest way to ruin dinner plans. We talk about how it spreads, why it hits like a freight train, and what you can actually do to avoid it (spoiler: wash your hands like you mean it). If you've ever wondered how one tiny virus can take down an entire cruise ship... this one’s for you.Disclaimer: this podcast and its hosts and guests are delivering educational material. They are not providing professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned that you might have a medical illness, seek appropriate healthcare.
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21:31
Strep Throat Confidential
In this maiden episode, Dr. Miller (microbiologist and infectious disease expert) and Jonathan Hope (layman and wanna-be podcast host) discuss and break down the ins and outs of “Strep Throat”. We cover everything from how it is spread, why it's so common, what happens when your body tries to fight this infection, how to diagnose it and how to treat it. Whether you've had Strep Throat or just want to understand what's lurking in your throat, this is an easy-to-understand , tell-all intro to one of the most infamous germs out there.Disclaimer: this podcast and its hosts and guests are delivering educational material. They are not providing professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned that you might have a medical illness, seek appropriate healthcare.
Welcome to Germs & Jargon, where science meets storytelling! Join Dr. Miller, an infectious disease expert, and Jonathan Hope, your curious co-host, as they break down microbiology (the study of germs), immunology (our ability to fight off disease), and infectious diseases into bite-sized, easy-to-understand conversations.
We tackle the microscopic world in a way that makes sense—no special training or knowledge required. Dr. Miller unpacks the jargon around the germs, while Jonathan asks the questions you really want answered.
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