Simple epidemics and SIS models

Abstract

Next I analyze some formal models of epidemics. In all of these initial models I make some simplifying assumptions that will aid with the introductory analysis. Later in the chapter and in subsequent chapters I will generalize the models to make them more realistic. Further by the end of these introductory sections you will be prepared to make additional assumptions and generalizations on your own in exactly the same framework introduced here. However I want to point out that making simplifying assumptions in these early chapters, does not make these models invalid or of no use. Often times simple models can reveal a great deal about the dynamics of interest in the spread of an epidemic. Further the solution concepts that I use in these simple introductory models will also apply to more complicated models.