Infectious disease exists at this intersection between real science, medicine, public health, social policy, and human conflict. There's a tendency of people to try and make a group out of those who have the disease. It makes people who don't have the disease feel safer.

In this quote, Andrea Barrett discusses the complex nature of infectious disease, highlighting how it exists at the intersection of science, medicine, public health, social policy, and even human conflict. She emphasizes that infectious diseases are not just biological phenomena but are deeply influenced by social, political, and historical factors. These diseases often involve a web of issues that include healthcare systems, cultural responses, and social structures, making them multifaceted challenges that cannot be understood in isolation.

Barrett also touches on the tendency of people to create groups based on whether someone has the disease or not. This social phenomenon can lead to the stigmatization of those who are infected, as society often seeks to draw clear lines between the "healthy" and the "ill." This division, she suggests, may give those who are not affected by the disease a sense of safety or relief, even though it does little to address the root causes of the disease or the inequality it often brings.

The origin of this quote comes from Barrett’s work as a writer and her exploration of themes such as human behavior, disease, and the societal impacts of health crises. Barrett is known for her interest in how history and humanity intersect with public health issues. This perspective likely comes from her understanding of how diseases like HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis have shaped both personal and collective experiences.

In a broader context, Barrett’s quote highlights the social implications of infectious diseases and the way societal responses can often perpetuate fear and division. It suggests the need for a more holistic understanding of public health—one that goes beyond medical treatment to address the societal and emotional dimensions of living with or being affected by disease. Her words encourage a more compassionate and inclusive approach to healthcare and social policy.