How does the Reed-Frost model fundamentally differ in its application of time compared to the SIR model?
Answer
It operates in discrete time steps relying on probability for transmission
The Reed-Frost model, developed by Frost and Reed, is characterized by its approach to time, treating transmission as occurring in discrete, sequential steps rather than the continuous flow utilized by models like SIR. This model is fundamentally probabilistic; transmission between a susceptible person and an infected person relies on a certain probability occurring during that specific interval of contact. This approach makes it highly valuable for analyzing small-scale, localized outbreaks, such as those in isolated communities or institutions, where the randomness inherent in individual contacts is dominant and clear sequential steps of events can be traced.
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