Force of Infection

Force of Infection, crafted by an infectious disease epidemiologist, offers insights into various outbreaks and infections, focusing on data trends like hospitalizations, wastewater analyses, and positivity rates. It aims to inform readers on keeping healthy amidst epidemics through practical advice and updates on disease activity across the nation.

Infectious Diseases Public Health Epidemiology Trends Outbreak Analysis Preventive Measures Virus Surveillance Health Advisories

The hottest Substack posts of Force of Infection

And their main takeaways

Voices in Print

28 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Patient rights Medical Research Public Health Healthcare policy
  1. Patients can offer valuable ideas to improve healthcare based on their personal experiences. It's important for these voices to be heard in medical discussions.
  2. The Voices in Print project connects patients with professional writers to share their suggestions in a clear way. This helps bring patient insights into medical literature.
  3. They are looking for new patient partners who have specific ideas on improving care, and participation in the project is free.

Outbreak Outlook - National - March 3

110 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control Public Health Infectious Diseases Health Policy Vaccination
  1. Influenza-like illness is declining, which is good news for everyone, especially parents. Although rates are still above the national baseline, both children and adults are seeing fewer doctor visits for flu symptoms.
  2. COVID-19 activity remains low with a decrease in hospitalizations and emergency department visits. Most states are reporting stable or decreasing cases.
  3. Norovirus rates are still very high and have been consistent since December. It's affecting many people, particularly in the Midwest, so it's important to take precautions.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 24

136 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Food Safety
  1. Influenza cases have dropped recently, giving some relief, although numbers are still higher than usual. Improvements were seen across all age groups.
  2. COVID-19 activity varies by state, with some places seeing high case numbers while others have less. Overall hospitalizations are low now compared to past months.
  3. Norovirus remains very high across the country, and it's expected to stay elevated for a while. This season's peak may last longer than usual.

Vaccines are popular, actually

190 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Health Policy Public Sentiment
  1. Vaccination rates in America are high, often over 80% for childhood shots. This shows that many people are choosing to get vaccinated.
  2. Public perception of vaccines can be skewed by negative news. When people believe that most doctors don't support vaccines, they are less likely to get vaccinated.
  3. Despite some controversy, many Americans actually see vaccines as a safe and normal choice for health. This is an important point that often gets overlooked.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 17

152 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Infectious Diseases Vaccination Healthcare policy Disease outbreaks
  1. Flu season is very severe this year, especially affecting young children, with many doctor visits for flu symptoms.
  2. COVID-19 cases are still around but are currently lower than flu cases. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have slightly decreased recently.
  3. There have been notable outbreaks, like measles in Texas and human cases of bird flu in Nevada, showing the need for ongoing health monitoring.
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A historic flu season

191 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Infectious Diseases Health data Health trends
  1. Flu activity is increasing, with outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms reaching 7.8%. This shows that more people are getting sick and needing medical attention.
  2. This flu season is hitting all age groups hard, with high severity reported among children, adults, and older adults. It’s a tough time for many families right now.
  3. Emergency department visits for flu symptoms in children have been noticeably high, making it crucial for parents to stay alert for signs of illness. Hospitals are also seeing more severe cases than in recent years.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 10

269 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Disease Prevention Health Policy Health Communication
  1. The flu season is at a record high, with about 1 in 13 doctor visits now related to flu symptoms. This is the worst flu outbreak we have seen in over ten years.
  2. Young children are most affected by the flu, but older adults are at a greater risk for severe illness. It's important for everyone to take precautions to stay healthy.
  3. To prevent the flu, people should wear masks in crowded places, improve ventilation indoors, wash hands often, and get vaccinated. If infected, antivirals can help reduce illness duration.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 27

515 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Vaccination Health data Health Policy
  1. Flu cases are on the rise again, especially in children, after weeks of decline. It's surprising to see this rebound during the season.
  2. COVID-19 wastewater levels are decreasing, but it's too soon to know if we’ll avoid a larger wave this winter.
  3. Activity for RSV is declining across the country, but caution is still advised, particularly for babies and older adults.

Flu spikes

243 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease outbreaks Health data Government Policy Health Risks
  1. Influenza activity is rising again, hitting high levels not seen since earlier in the season. This increase is particularly strong among young children, leading to more hospital visits.
  2. The data about flu activity is not completely reliable, with federal health data disrupted recently. This makes it harder to track how things are changing.
  3. COVID-19 is still around, with some signs of increased activity, especially in the Midwest, but severe cases are not rising significantly.

Flu activity increases again

183 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Disease Prevention Epidemiology Health Education Chronic Illness
  1. Flu activity is on the rise, hitting its highest level since 2002. This means more people are going to the doctor with flu-like symptoms.
  2. Younger children are getting hit hardest, with nearly 17% showing flu symptoms. Older adults are at greater risk for serious illness, even though their overall illness rates are lower.
  3. To prevent the flu, it's important to wear masks in crowded places, ventilate indoor areas, and get vaccinated. If you do get sick, antiviral medications can help you recover faster.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 20

105 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Disease Public Health Vaccination Healthcare system Epidemiology
  1. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are improving, but norovirus has become more prevalent this season. It's important to stay cautious during flu season, as the numbers can change quickly.
  2. While COVID-19 levels are still somewhat high, there's a small hope that the situation is getting better, with fewer hospitalizations reported recently.
  3. Norovirus is on the rise this winter, likely due to a new strain. It's crucial to maintain good hygiene practices, like washing hands, to prevent infection.

Outbreak Outlook, Jan 15

88 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Disease Public Health Healthcare access Epidemiology Vaccination
  1. Influenza-like illness was slightly down recently, but it's too early to declare we've passed the peak. It's a hopeful sign, and we'll see if the trend continues.
  2. Kids aged 0-4 showed some improvement in severe illness, while older age groups are still facing rising hospital visits. Trends often lag in adults, so changes might come soon.
  3. Covid-19 indicators are mixed; some emergency visits have decreased, but wastewater data suggests the virus is still spreading. More updates will come next week.

Tribute to Carter's public health work

121 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Global Health Health Advocacy Epidemiology
  1. President Jimmy Carter was very active in global health efforts, especially through The Carter Center, aiming to eliminate diseases like Guinea worm and malaria.
  2. His work led to a huge drop in Guinea worm cases from 3.5 million to just 7, showing the real impact of his dedication.
  3. Carter even negotiated a ceasefire in Sudan to help health workers reach people in need, emphasizing how much he cared about public health.

It's peak flu season

119 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Epidemiology Health Policy Infectious Diseases
  1. It's peak flu season, and there's been a significant rise in flu cases lately. Young children are getting hit the hardest with more doctor visits due to influenza-like illness.
  2. Covid-19 cases are also increasing after a slow start, with many locations showing high virus levels. It's important to stay updated on trends as they can change rapidly.
  3. RSV activity is up, but this year seems to be less severe than usual. Overall, it's crucial to take precautions like masking, as multiple respiratory illnesses are spreading.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 6

90 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Vaccination Health Education Food Safety
  1. Influenza-like illnesses are at a peak, especially affecting young children the most. Parents should be cautious and ensure their kids are staying healthy during this time.
  2. COVID-19 levels are rising again, with some regions seeing more severe cases. It's important to stay vigilant and consider precautions if you're in a high-risk area.
  3. Norovirus is spreading quickly, with test positivity rates very high. It's a good idea to wash hands frequently and be aware of food recalls to avoid sickness.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 23

85 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Healthcare policy Disease Prevention Health Education
  1. Flu season is picking up, with more people visiting doctors for symptoms like fever and cough. Younger kids are seeing higher rates of flu, but older adults face the biggest risks.
  2. COVID-19 is on the rise again, especially in the Midwest, as wastewater and test positivity rates increase. People should stay cautious during the holidays.
  3. RSV cases are also climbing, with infants and older adults being especially at risk. It's important to be careful during gatherings with people of different ages.

Part 2: Answering reader questions on H5N1

38 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Food Safety Preventive measures
  1. H5N1 mostly spreads through close contact with infected animals, which means people who work with animals are at higher risk.
  2. The virus can survive on surfaces for varying amounts of time, which can affect how we control infection spread.
  3. Currently, there's no evidence that H5N1 spreads from person to person, but there's a concern it might someday gain that ability.

Outbreak Outlook - Dec 2

108 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Epidemiology Infectious Diseases Health Policy Food Safety
  1. Flu cases are increasing, especially among young children, with activity levels hitting the start of flu season.
  2. COVID-19 rates remain low in the U.S., with fewer hospitalizations and a slight rise in emergency visits in some states.
  3. Concerns about H5N1 bird flu continue as officials are unable to find the source of recent infections in humans.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 16

69 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Food Safety Healthcare system
  1. Influenza-like illness is on the rise, especially in the southern U.S., with young children seeing a slight decrease in cases. This suggests a possible peak in activity as we move into the new year.
  2. COVID-19 cases are starting to pick up again, particularly in the Midwest, though severe illness remains low. It's a good time to stock up on at-home tests ahead of holiday gatherings.
  3. Norovirus is seeing high positivity rates this year, especially in the West and Midwest. It's important to be cautious and aware of food recalls related to contamination.

Answering reader questions on H5N1

35 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Epidemiology Surveillance
  1. There are strong surveillance systems in place for detecting H5N1 and other influenza viruses, which helps identify outbreaks among humans quickly.
  2. While experts are confident about detecting severe H5N1 cases in hospitals, some mild cases may go unnoticed in outpatient settings.
  3. Global surveillance for H5N1 is uneven; some countries have great systems while others are less prepared, making it important to stay alert to potential cases everywhere.

Understanding mysterious outbreaks

70 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology Public Health Outbreaks Disease Control Health Policy
  1. Mysterious outbreaks often fall into three categories: known diseases, rare diseases, and completely new diseases. It's important to understand these categories to respond effectively.
  2. The most common cause of an outbreak is usually a known disease that flares up, especially in areas with poor healthcare resources. These can be serious but are often easier to manage.
  3. Outbreaks of rare or new diseases are the most concerning. They require quick action because they can be very dangerous and might not have available treatments or vaccines.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 9

53 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Health Policy Outbreaks Epidemiology
  1. There is an increase in influenza-like illnesses, especially among young children. Outpatient visits for these symptoms have gone up recently.
  2. COVID-19 activity remains low across the country, but there are signs it could pick up soon in certain regions. Hospitalizations are currently at the lowest levels of the past year.
  3. Norovirus cases are on the rise, with the highest rates in the West. It's important to keep washing your hands to stay healthy.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 18

67 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control Vaccination Health Policy Public Health Food Safety
  1. RSV and flu-like illnesses are starting to rise as we get deeper into winter, especially among young kids. But overall, flu activity remains low for now.
  2. Covid-19 cases are still very low across the country, and hospitalizations due to the virus have decreased. Most areas show low wastewater levels for Covid-19.
  3. Norovirus is on the rise, especially in the South, and other respiratory viruses are also becoming more common. It's a good time to stay aware of food recalls linked to contamination.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 24

59 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Vaccination Epidemiology
  1. Influenza-like illness is rising, especially in young children, as we approach the busy holiday season. It's expected to hit the national baseline soon.
  2. COVID-19 activity is currently low across the country, with minimal emergency department visits and hospitalizations remaining low.
  3. As Thanksgiving approaches, be cautious about norovirus transmission, especially when preparing food for others. It's best to avoid cooking for others for a few days after being sick.

How can the number of deaths go down?

46 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology Public Health Infection Control Data Reporting
  1. The number of reported deaths can change a lot during disease outbreaks. This usually happens because health officials are constantly updating their definitions of what counts as a case.
  2. When investigating an outbreak, new information can refine the case definitions. This means some earlier counts may go down as they find more accurate cases.
  3. Different reports might count cases in various ways, leading to inconsistent numbers. Some reports include all suspected cases, while others only look at confirmed ones.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 11

67 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy
  1. Covid-19 levels are low in most areas, but there are still slight increases, especially in the Midwest. Make sure you're keeping an eye on your health and any symptoms.
  2. Influenza-like illness is starting to rise, particularly in young children, as we move into flu season. If you haven't gotten your flu vaccine yet, now is a good time to do so.
  3. Norovirus is currently higher in some regions, but it has dropped slightly overall. It's a reminder to keep practicing good hygiene, especially during this time of year.

Outbreak Outlook - October 21

67 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy
  1. Covid-19 cases are low nationally, but there might be a slight increase in the Northeast. Hospitalizations are at a low level across the country.
  2. Norovirus is increasing in rates, especially in the South where it has reached higher levels than in the last two years.
  3. Influenza-like illnesses are up slightly, particularly among young children, but overall activity remains low.

Outbreak Outlook - October 7

73 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Epidemiology
  1. Flu activity is low across the country, especially among young children. Only a small percentage of doctor visits are for flu-like symptoms.
  2. Covid-19 cases are on the decline, with fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations in many regions. Wastewater data shows a calming trend in most areas.
  3. Norovirus cases are rising, particularly in the Southern region, with test positivity increasing. It's important to stay updated on food recalls related to health risks.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 4

49 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Vaccination Food Safety
  1. Covid-19 cases are currently low across the country, but a slight rebound has been noted in the Midwest.
  2. Norovirus is on the rise, with about 12% positivity, and it spreads easily through contaminated surfaces and food, so hygiene is essential.
  3. Visits for flu-like symptoms are increasing in children under 5, indicating that flu season could be approaching soon.

Outbreak Outlook - National - October 28

51 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Disease Public Health Vaccination Disease outbreaks Food Safety
  1. Currently, respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV are at low levels across the country, which is a relief.
  2. Food recalls are happening for various products due to contamination, so it’s important to check what you have at home.
  3. There's a recommendation for a second COVID-19 vaccine dose for older adults and those at high risk to help protect against severe illness.

Outbreak Outlook - October 14

54 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Health Policy Health Communication
  1. Covid-19 cases are decreasing across the country, with many states reporting low activity, especially in the Western region.
  2. Norovirus is on the rise, particularly in the South, and it can cause stomach pain and vomiting. Good hand hygiene is important to prevent its spread.
  3. Colds and respiratory viruses are becoming more common as the cold season starts, so it's important to stay vigilant about hygiene and health.

Regional editions begin Oct 28

36 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Prevention Healthcare policy Community health
  1. Starting October 28, 2024, there will be regional editions of the Outbreak Outlook newsletter for better local information about illnesses.
  2. Paid subscribers can choose to receive updates specific to their region, while free subscribers will still get national updates.
  3. Each regional edition will provide local insights on illnesses like flu and COVID-19, tailored to specific states.

Crisis Averted update & what’s next

40 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Disease Prevention Health Communication Science Writing
  1. The new book, 'Crisis Averted: The Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks,' has been released and is receiving positive reviews from major publications.
  2. The author appreciates reader feedback and encourages them to share their thoughts on the book after reading it.
  3. A new update will be shared on Monday regarding the Outbreak Outlook and future plans for regional editions.

Reminder: regional editions start Monday

28 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Health Updates Epidemiology
  1. Regional editions of Outbreak Outlook begin on Monday. These editions will provide more specific updates for different areas in the U.S.
  2. Paid subscribers will receive tailored updates about respiratory and stomach bug trends that are relevant to their region.
  3. The national update will still be available for free, but the regional insights offer extra local detail for subscribers.

Outbreak Outlook - National - January 15

113 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Respiratory Diseases COVID-19 Food recalls
  1. Influenza-like illness activity has decreased for the first time since October, showing hope for continued improvement
  2. COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising in many states, but there are signs of improvement in wastewater concentrations and emergency department visits
  3. RSV cases are declining nationally, with PCR test positivity dropping below 10% for the first time since October, indicating a relieving trend

Outbreak Outlook - National - January 22

94 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases Public Health Food Safety Long Covid Vaccination rates
  1. Influenza-like illness activity decreased across all age groups and regions, with improvements in hospitalizations as well.
  2. COVID-19 activity is starting to decrease, supported by various indicators like hospitalizations and test positivity.
  3. RSV trends are showing improvement with a decrease in positivity rates, especially in vulnerable age and ethnic groups.

Outbreak Outlook - National - March 4

70 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Respiratory Diseases Stomach Bugs Food recalls
  1. Influenza-like illness is generally improving across the country except in the Midwest, which is experiencing a second peak. Most regions still have high activity levels and could have a few more weeks of flu season ahead.
  2. COVID-19 hospitalizations are dropping, and all regions are seeing improvements. Trends suggest continued improvement at least until mid-Summer.
  3. Norovirus activity is increasing nationally, so it's important to take precautionary measures like thorough handwashing, staying home when sick, and disinfecting shared surfaces.

Outbreak Outlook - National - February 19

59 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Respiratory Diseases Stomach Bugs Food recalls Infectious Diseases
  1. Influenza-like illness (ILI) activity has increased in various age groups and regions, with over half of the country affected. However, emergency department visits for influenza are declining.
  2. National Covid-19 hospitalizations are declining in some regions, but there is a resurgence in the South. Overall, the situation is complex with variations across different states.
  3. RSV test positivity is decreasing nationally, but the West and Midwest still have lingering activity. Seasonal coronavirus activity is high, and norovirus remains a concern.