Why Are Respiratory Infections More Common in Fall and Winter? What are the scientific reasons behind this seasonal pattern? In this episode, Dr. Janice from Stanford and Dr. Xixi dive deep into the science of respiratory infections, equipping you with the knowledge to protect your health and that of your loved ones. From the microbial ecosystems of the upper and lower respiratory tracts to the transmission and treatment challenges posed by viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, the two experts shed light on these often-overlooked topics.

The discussion extends to the fascinating process of flu vaccine development, its significance for individual and community immunity, and answers to common concerns about vaccine side effects. This episode is your essential guide to staying healthy during the fall and winter months. Tune in and join us for an enlightening scientific journey!

---

[图片]

「Classification of the Common Cold 」

I. By Cause:

A. Viral Cold (Over 90% of cases):

- Rhinovirus (most common, ~30–50%)

- Coronavirus (~10–15%)

- Adenovirus (~5–10%)

- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

- Influenza Virus

- Parainfluenza Virus

- Other viruses

B. Bacterial Cold (Less Common):

- Streptococcal infections

- Pneumococcal infections

- Mycoplasma infections

II. By Symptom Presentation:

A. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Type:

- Nasal congestion

- Runny nose

- Sore throat

- Dry cough

- Mild fever

B. Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Type:

- Pronounced cough

- Possible sputum production

- Chest tightness or shortness of breath

- Higher fever

III. By Seasonal Characteristics:

A. Summer Cold:

- Often caused by enteroviruses

- May include gastrointestinal symptoms

- Prominent fever

B. Winter Cold:

- Primarily caused by respiratory viruses

- Focused on respiratory symptoms

- May include systemic symptoms

[图片]

「You will Hear」

00:51 Types of respiratory infections: viral, bacterial, and mycoplasma infections

05:15 Different types of influenza: not all strains are zoonotic

10:24 Gradual changes in microbial composition within the upper and lower respiratory tract

10:17 Large-scale viral infections like COVID-19 and SARS

15:06 Does the human body always produce antibodies after a viral infection?

20:20 How the immune system responds at different stages of a viral infection

22:30 Gram-negative/positive staining in microscopy: determining if cells are infected with a virus

24:32 The reasons behind "false positives" in COVID-19 testing

31:05 Diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infections: the proper use of antibiotics and penicillin

「Hosts」

Dr. Janice: A Stanford Ph.D. in Chemistry with nearly 15 years of experience studying and working in the U.S., Dr. Janice is a trailblazing entrepreneur and biotech innovator. Founder of N1 Life in Silicon Valley, she specializes in drug delivery systems, combining molecular and computational technologies. Janice brings a unique blend of academic excellence, global perspective, and life experiences to the podcast.

「Guest」

Dr. Xixi: A passionate environmental scientist, Dr. Xixi earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Iowa. With expertise in environmental microbiology, she has contributed to food, pharmaceutical, and environmental testing innovations. Currently, she works at Stanford University in gene and cell therapy analytics while volunteering for environmental causes.

「Producer」Shuyi

「Music」 Thank You (Dido)

「Find Us Here」

Xiaoyuzhou｜Ximalaya｜Spotify｜Apple Podcast.