Disease - specifically infectious disease - is what eventually kills the overwhelming majority of us. In fact, it's amazing that it doesn't get us sooner- we fight off millions of disease-causing germs every day.

So how come we're not dead yet? In this lively and accessible book, Idan Ben-Barak tells us why. He explores the immune system and what keeps it running, how germs are destroyed, and why we develop immunities to certain disease-causing agents, and he examines the role of antibiotics and vaccines, and looks at what the future holds for our collective chances of not being dead.

This is entertaining and thoughtful science writing to inspire the student interested in a career in medicine or immunology, or to inform the reader who just wants to understand more about their body while having a laugh along the way.



'This surprisingly ambitious, eminently accessible book brilliantly summarises the essential features of the immune system for a lay audience. The quirky humour masks an underlying authority and competence. The work is right up to date, even incorporating recent Nobel Prize-winning insights into the evolutionarily ancient innate immune system. It is a triumph of popular medical science.'
-Sir Gustav Nossal, former Chairman of the Strategic Advisory Council of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Children's Vaccine Program

'An accessible account of a complex and important topic.'
-Prof. Peter C. Doherty, Nobel Prize winner

'I loved this book. Ben-Barak assumes the reader starts with no knowledge of the immune system but does not make the further assumption that we're ignorant. He explains in simple terms but without condescension. He adds liberal doses of humour, often self-deprecating. He writes with an unusual kindness that makes me think he is a kind person, one who would be a lovely dinner guest.'
-Tonstant Weader Reviews