Redfield's Warning: What I Learned (But Couldn't Tell You) Might Save Your Life

by Dr. Robert Redfield

They ignored young army virologist Robert Redfield when he warned Americans that the sexually transmitted HIV virus affected heterosexual women and men just as it did gay men. They ignored Redfield when he called for the importance of early diagnosis for HIV infection. They ignored Redfield for a decade when he warned Americans that the country was not prepared for the pandemic that became Covid-19. They ignored CDC Director Redfield during the pandemic when he warned that the government needed to be more transparent with the American to admit that the evidence did not support shutting down the country, that certain groups were in greater danger than others, that vaccines offered only limited protection and should not be mandated.

Now Redfield is issuing another warning. And ignoring him this time puts literally millions of people lives at risk.

Robert Redfield has spent his life studying viruses. And he knows what is coming. His new book, Redfield's Warning, predicts millions of Americans are going to die in the coming pandemic—if we don’t start preparing for it now.

This fact-filled, anecdotal memoir brings readers inside Redfield’s sub-microscopic world, introducing them to the extraordinary wonders and terrifying dangers of viruses, using the lessons of history to reinforce his dire warning. Speaking out bluntly, the CDC director during the first years of Covid-19 reveals what went right and what mistakes were made throughout the pandemic. Most importantly, he outlines a program of what needs to be done now to prepare for the bird flu pandemic that not only is coming—but may already be here. 

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Very informative from the previous Director of the CDC during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. He talks about was factual, what we didn’t really know, and what was asked of the US when we didn’t have clear answers. How did it all become so confusing and controversial with so many different opinions out there (including from TikTok Doctors making things worse). What have we learned since then about the disease and where do we go from here (in regard to virus management.)

Also very interesting to hear his background with the AIDS pandemic and how far we have come with medicines for that. He also talks about his own research and treatment of patients post-COVID.

It is easy to read and gives an understanding of what was happening behind the scenes, what he would have done differently, and what we need to do now to handle the next pandemic that will inevitably come our way. I would definitely recommend you read it!

[Robert Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting perspective from a knowledgeable person with a great deal of experience. Good information about how politics negatively affects our lives. It showed a balanced view about how various players dealt with the Covid epidemic

[Shelley P · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who lived through the pandemic.