Compared with traditional infectious disease theories, ID+ differs in academic science, response speed, decision making, intervention tool, data flow, governance model, precision level, and cost efficiency. For details, see Table 1.

The three core dimensions of ID+ are reflected in advancing novel technologies (intelligent prediction, precision interventions, novel therapeutics, et al.), interdisciplinary collaborations (climate medicine and social behavioral science, et al.), and systematic theories (One Health, global coordination, community engagement, et al.). The innovation of ID+ lies in the application of complexity science (Figure 1). Traditional prevention/control theories of infectious diseases collide with these new elements, selectively assimilating their merits to form ID+—an ecosystem of interconnected, co-adaptive, and perpetually evolving components.

The ID+ AI approach demonstrates transformative potential across multiple domains: AI-powered epidemic prediction models (e.g., influenza trend analysis via big data) (28–32), rapid pathogen genome sequencing and variant tracking (exemplified by AlphaFold's viral protein structure prediction) (33–37), and intelligent diagnostics (such as AI-based imaging recognition for tuberculosis/malaria) (38–42). Notable implementations include Google DeepMind's breakthrough in forecasting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein structures (43–46) and BlueDot's AI-driven early warning system that detected COVID-19 spread 9 days before WHO alerts (47–49). This synergy enables high-speed real-time analytics (Nanopore Sequencing, Whole Genome Sequencing, Pattern Recognition and Classification Framework using XGBoost and Decision Trees) (50–52) and precision public health (AI-powered screening, Genomic and environmental integration, Personalized Interventions, Pandemic and Outbreak Management) (53–60), fundamentally accelerating the outbreak response paradigm from months to hours.

The ID+ Vaccines/Therapeutic Interventions paradigm is revolutionizing disease prevention through cutting-edge platforms: mRNA vaccines (exemplified by Moderna/BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccines achieving highest efficacy) (61), nanoparticle vaccines (e.g., malaria/HIV candidates inducing robust T-cell responses) (62, 63), and universal vaccines (broad-spectrum protection against influenza/coronaviruses) (63). This field is transitioning from traditional passive immunization to proactive preventive/therapeutic strategies, as evidenced by cancer vaccines (64). Current innovations enable faster development cycles (COVID-19 vaccines in 9 months vs. historical 10 years) (65–68) and cross-variant protection (nanoparticle flu vaccines covering 20+ strains) (69–71). The future will see vaccines assuming a larger role, showcasing an evolution from prevention to therapy and from infectious to chronic diseases.

The ID+ Global Public Health framework represents a transformative shift in pandemic preparedness through two key innovations: One Health integration (bridging human-animal-environment health monitoring, as seen in cross-species H5N1 surveillance) (72, 73) and global pathogen surveillance networks (exemplified by WHO's Pandemic Accord establishing data-sharing protocols) (74–76). However, this approach faces critical challenges, particularly vaccine equity gaps—during COVID-19, “vaccine nationalism” resulted in 63% of the population of high-income countries were fully vaccinated, compared to just 1.4% of low-income countries (77). Advanced technology platforms (e.g., mRNA vaccines) were predominantly concentrated in wealthier regions, while the introduction and evaluation of other platforms lagged (78). Enhancing the thermostability of vaccines is a critical step toward promoting global vaccine equity. It directly determines whether vaccines can safely and efficiently reach remote and resource-limited areas with unstable electricity and inadequate cold chain infrastructure (79). Modern solutions include GISAID's genomic data platform (accelerating variant analysis) (80–82) and COVAX's allocation mechanism, though systemic reforms remain imperative to achieve the target of 100-day pandemic vaccine deployment for all nations (83–85).

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions（NPIs）are actions, outside of vaccines and antiviral drugs, that individuals and communities can take to help slow the spread of respiratory infectious diseases like COVID-19, influenza, and others. They are often the first line of defense, especially when a pathogen is new and no specific pharmaceutical treatments are available. NPIs are typically categorized by the level at which they are implemented: personal, community, and environmental, such as face masks, isolation, quarantine, social distancing. The ID+ Social Sciences approach critically examines behavioral dimensions of outbreaks through two pivotal research streams: misinformation dynamics (where social media algorithms amplified vaccine hesitancy during COVID-19) (86–88) and policy compliance psychology (lockdown adherence correlates with trust in institutions) (89–92) This interdisciplinary field employs computational social science methods which revealed anti-vaccine narratives spread faster than factual content (93–95), while behavioral experiments demonstrate that “nudge”-based interventions (e.g., vaccination lotteries) can increase compliance (96–98) Emerging tools include AI-powered infodemic monitoring (WHO's EPI-WIN system) and cultural risk mapping predicting regional resistance to containment measures (99, 100). Using social media data and machine learning techniques, the preeminent roles parks and greenspaces play during the pandemic and guides a new direction in future urban planning requirements (101).

The ID+ approach can revolutionize childhood vaccination by integrating advanced technologies and systematic strategies. It advocates for lifelong immunization planning, ensuring vaccine coverage from infancy through adolescence. By developing multivalent combination vaccines (102–105), the number of required injections can be reduced, improving compliance and minimizing discomfort for young children. Big data analytics further enhance vaccination programs by tracking immunization records in real time, identifying missed doses, and enabling targeted catch-up campaigns (106, 107). Mobile health platforms can send automated reminders to parents, while AI-powered systems predict regional outbreaks, allowing preemptive vaccination drives in high-risk areas (108, 109). This data-driven, precision-based model ensures that no child is left unprotected due to logistical or informational gaps.

Effective health education is crucial in empowering children to understand and prevent infectious diseases. The ID+ framework promotes age-appropriate educational materials, using animated videos, interactive storybooks, and augmented reality (AR) tools to teach hygiene practices (110–114). Schools and kindergartens integrate handwashing drills, respiratory etiquette, and disease prevention modules into daily routines. Gamification techniques—such as reward-based hygiene apps—make learning engaging, encouraging children to adopt healthy habits voluntarily (115). Teacher training programs ensure educators can deliver accurate, engaging lessons on infectious disease risks. By embedding health literacy early, this approach fosters generations that are likely to me more understanding of the necessity for future public health interventions.

Children are particularly vulnerable to pathogens in crowded environments like schools and daycare centers. ID+ advocates for enhanced sanitation protocols, including automated disinfection systems, antimicrobial surfaces, and improved ventilation with HEPA filters. Real-time air quality monitors can detect pathogens, triggering instant sterilization in high-risk zones (116–118). Playgrounds and classrooms are redesigned to minimize high-touch surfaces, while UV-C light robots disinfect spaces overnight. Additionally, “green hygiene” solutions—such as plant-based disinfectants—reduce chemical exposure for young children (119, 120). These innovations transform child-centric spaces into low-risk zones, significantly cutting transmission rates of flu, RSV, and other common infections.

Digital advancements underpin the ID+ strategy for pediatric care. Wearable devices (e.g., smart thermometers or biosensor patches) track children's vital signs, flagging early symptoms like fever or irregular heart rates (121–123) AI-driven outbreak prediction systems analyze school absenteeism data and online search trends to detect anomalies (124, 125). Electronic health records (EHRs) centralize medical histories, allowing seamless coordination between parents, schools, and doctors (126). Telemedicine platforms enable remote consultations, reducing unnecessary hospital visits. Blockchain technology secures data privacy while ensuring transparent outbreak tracking (127). Together, these tools create a real-time health shield for children, enabling swift responses to potential threats.

The final pillar of ID+ focuses on community-driven protection. Parents receive training via workshops and mobile apps to recognize symptoms, administer basic care, and implement home quarantine protocols. Neighborhood “buddy systems” connect families for resource sharing (e.g., delivering medicines or groceries during outbreaks) (128, 129). Schools and clinics collaborate through joint drills (e.g., simulating measles containment), while social workers identify at-risk households. Local governments incentivize participation through “healthy community certifications” for districts achieving high vaccination rates (130, 131). By weaving families, schools, and medical institutions into a unified prevention web, the model ensures no child falls through the cracks—turning communities into active defenders against infectious diseases.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) represents a significant and recurrent public health challenge, particularly in daycare settings where close-contact environments facilitate its rapid transmission (132). RSV outbreaks not only cause widespread illness among young children, but also lead to substantial operational disruptions for childcare centers and force parents to miss work. The ID+ Framework offers a structured, multi-phase approach for outbreak management that is particularly suited to the dynamic and high-stakes environment of a daycare center. This framework guides responders from initial identification through to post-outbreak analysis, ensuring a comprehensive and systematic response.