SIR Population Curves
Differential SIR Equations
dS/dt = -β·S·I/N
dI/dt = β·S·I/N - γ·I
dR/dt = γ·I
The peak of the red curve is when the healthcare system is most stressed. R₀ = β/γ — if >1, epidemic grows; if <1, it fades.
Flattening the Curve — Interventions
Interventions
Social distancing — reduces movement speed, lowering contact rate and effective β.
Vaccination — converts susceptible dots directly to recovered (immune) at start.
Quarantine — infected individuals stop moving, reducing transmission dramatically.