Your Local Epidemiologist

Your Local Epidemiologist is a Substack that dissects public health issues, focusing on current events and emerging research. It covers epidemic patterns, vaccine developments, public health policy implications, and the role of science in society. It advocates for evidence-based decisions and addresses misinformation in public health communication.

Public Health Epidemiology Vaccine Development COVID-19 Research Science Communication Misinformation in Public Health Mental Health Health Policy

The hottest Substack posts of Your Local Epidemiologist

And their main takeaways
2180 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 25
  1. The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO means less influence in global health decisions, leaving a gap that countries like China might fill.
  2. The WHO faces challenges like limited funding and authority, which makes it hard to enforce health policies effectively.
  3. Even though the U.S. has strong public health systems, global health threats affect everyone, so it's important to stay involved with organizations like the WHO.
2086 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 25
  1. Many people think natural things are always good, but that's not true. Some natural things can be harmful, like germs that cause diseases.
  2. It's important to rely on science rather than just the appeal of nature. Some human-made medicines save lives, even when natural solutions sound better.
  3. We need policies that look at the real issues affecting health, not just ones that follow popular but incorrect ideas about nature. Ignoring the complexities can lead to more health problems.
1147 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jan 25
  1. The FDA has banned Red Dye No. 3 from food and drugs because it was linked to cancer in lab animals. Even though it's mostly gone already, some products in stores still have it.
  2. Air quality can be misleading after wildfires. Just because the air is rated as 'healthy' doesn't mean it's safe, as many harmful pollutants might still be present.
  3. Moderate drinking might not be as safe as we thought. Recent reports suggest that even one drink a day could increase health risks, especially if there are other health issues involved.
1363 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 25
  1. Right now, many people are getting sick, and it seems like we are in the peak season for respiratory illnesses. The usual patterns we see are pretty much the same as before the pandemic.
  2. Flu cases are very high but appear to be slowing down. However, we might still face more waves of flu with different strains hitting later in the winter.
  3. Covid-19 cases are increasing, but they are lower than in past winters. Vaccination and past infections have helped build immunity, which is why this winter seems milder.
1940 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jan 25
  1. H5N1, or bird flu, is still spreading among animals and has now caused its first human death in the U.S. It's a serious virus, but the general public's risk remains low for now.
  2. Experts are worried about H5N1 because it could mutate and become more dangerous, especially if it spreads among animals that are close to humans. Keeping tabs on this virus is important.
  3. Right now, there's not much for the average person to do except stay informed. Avoid sick animals and unpasteurized milk to stay safe, and let health officials manage the outbreak.
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1263 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 25
  1. H5N1 is mostly spreading through contact with sick animals and surfaces. If it mutates, it could spread like COVID-19, mostly through the air.
  2. The U.S. hasn't started vaccinating farm workers against H5N1 because severe cases are rare and vaccines can have side effects. They focus on treating sick workers instead.
  3. Testing for H5N1 is ongoing in the U.S., with a system in place to check flu samples. It's important to stay informed about any changes in flu severity or new cases.
1867 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jan 25
  1. Winter is here, and respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID, and RSV are on the rise across the country. It's important to stay aware as health services could get overwhelmed.
  2. The new COVID-19 vaccine is showing good results, especially for older adults, helping to reduce hospital visits significantly. Keeping up with vaccinations can strengthen your immunity.
  3. Some Costco eggs may be contaminated with salmonella, so it's best to check your fridge and avoid those eggs to keep your family safe.
850 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 25
  1. A balanced diet with good nutrition helps your body detox naturally. Eating healthy foods supports your organs and keeps everything working well.
  2. Staying hydrated is important. Drinking enough water helps your kidneys and digestive system do their job of removing waste.
  3. Many trendy detox methods, like extreme diets or detox drinks, are not proven to work and can sometimes be harmful. It's better to focus on healthy habits like regular exercise and reducing alcohol.
1472 implied HN points β€’ 27 Dec 24
  1. Opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. dropped thanks to programs that provide treatment and education on overdose prevention. This is a big win after many years of rising deaths.
  2. There was a 2% decline in sexually transmitted infections, showing that efforts to control and educate about these diseases are making a difference.
  3. Cervical cancer deaths are decreasing among young women, likely due to the success of the HPV vaccine. This suggests that vaccination is successfully protecting future generations.
1530 implied HN points β€’ 19 Dec 24
  1. Influenza-like illnesses are on the rise in the U.S., which means more people are getting sick. It's not peak season yet, but it's a good idea to wear a mask when traveling.
  2. The flu is spreading quickly, especially the Flu A strain. Vaccination rates are lower this year, which may lead to more severe cases, so getting vaccinated is still encouraged.
  3. Covid-19 cases are increasing gradually, with new variants making it easier to catch. As we head into winter and holiday gatherings, it's wise to get vaccinated to stay protected.
4557 implied HN points β€’ 15 Nov 24
  1. RFK Jr. has been picked to lead the Health and Human Services, which worries many public health professionals. They feel this could undermine efforts to improve public health.
  2. There is a strong concern that misinformation will spread, leading people to make poor health decisions. The fear is that lies can spread faster than the truth.
  3. Despite feelings of exhaustion and frustration, public health workers remain committed to fighting misinformation. They believe it's important to keep providing accurate information to help people make informed choices.
1375 implied HN points β€’ 17 Dec 24
  1. Vaccination has had a huge impact on public health, eradicating diseases like smallpox and reducing cases of polio and measles to near-zero with high vaccination rates.
  2. Most people still trust vaccines, with a significant percentage of parents ensuring their kids are vaccinated, despite the loud voices questioning vaccine safety.
  3. It's normal to have questions about vaccines, but it's important to seek answers from trusted experts to separate fact from fiction.
1187 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
  1. Eating well is really important for health. A better diet can help reduce the risk of diseases and save money on healthcare.
  2. Staying active helps improve overall health, but many people find it difficult due to challenges like unsafe neighborhoods or busy schedules. People need safe spaces and support to exercise.
  3. Reducing substance use, like smoking and excessive drinking, is crucial for health. Public health efforts have made progress, but more work is needed to keep improving.
953 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 24
  1. There's a national discussion happening about the U.S. healthcare system, revealing mixed feelings among Americans. Even though many like their insurance, dissatisfaction rises when they actually need to use it.
  2. H5N1 testing in milk is finally being implemented, which is important for tracking its spread. This change comes after significant public health concern and other testing efforts at local levels.
  3. Moderna's RSV vaccine trial for infants was stopped because some babies became sicker after receiving it. This shows the ongoing challenge of developing safe vaccines for young children.
1326 implied HN points β€’ 04 Dec 24
  1. The new appointments in HHS reflect a mix of people who disagree with Covid-19 policies and those who have ignored real issues. Learning from the pandemic means discussing both the successes and failures honestly.
  2. Covid-19 is not like the flu; it caused a lot of deaths and the vaccines were effective in saving lives. It’s essential to recognize the actual impact and the importance of public health measures that worked.
  3. Many criticisms of pandemic policies lack evidence and understanding of the complexities involved. We should focus on genuine discussions about what went wrong and how to improve in future situations.
2790 implied HN points β€’ 08 Nov 24
  1. We need to adapt to a new public health world because of unreliable leadership and misinformation. This means being more thoughtful in how we communicate and make decisions.
  2. Building bridges and finding common ground is essential for effective public health. Listening and showing empathy can help people trust the information provided.
  3. Fighting for the truth against falsehoods will be a major challenge. It's important to promote reliable sources of information to help individuals make informed health choices.
1979 implied HN points β€’ 19 Nov 24
  1. Fluoride helps strengthen our teeth and prevents cavities, which is why it's in toothpaste and is often added to public water supplies.
  2. Fluoridated water has been effective in reducing tooth decay overall, especially in communities with less access to dental care.
  3. The safety of fluoride is based on careful dosage; while high levels can be harmful, the amount used in drinking water is considered safe for everyone.
1002 implied HN points β€’ 06 Dec 24
  1. Getting vaccinated for Covid-19 at the right time can make a big difference. If you haven't had Covid recently, fall is a good time for your shot.
  2. The flu vaccine is important and does not give you the flu. It reduces severe cases, and many misunderstandings about it need to be cleared up.
  3. HPV vaccinations are really effective and can significantly lower the risk of cervical cancer in young women. This shows how important vaccines are for public health.
1378 implied HN points β€’ 26 Nov 24
  1. This Thanksgiving, the chance of getting sick is lower than in the past four years, but we still need to be careful as viruses can spread quickly.
  2. Most illnesses right now are from the common cold, and RSV is affecting young kids, so it's smart to be cautious around babies during gatherings.
  3. Vaccination rates are up, which helps prevent severe illness, so it's a good idea to get vaccinated before the holidays if you haven't already.
1320 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 24
  1. Egg prices are rising due to avian flu outbreaks, which are affecting poultry farms. This means some people might pay more than $4 for a dozen eggs.
  2. A new study shows that pregnant women should aim to get their RSV vaccine at least five weeks before their due date for better protection for their babies.
  3. Good news on sexually transmitted infections (STIs): rates have decreased for the first time in years, thanks to better testing and public health campaigns.
1399 implied HN points β€’ 13 Nov 24
  1. Most Americans still believe in the importance of vaccinations, with a large percentage supporting routine childhood vaccines. This shows that vaccines are still widely trusted by the public.
  2. Vaccine policy in the U.S. is mainly controlled by individual states, not the federal government. This means each state can set different rules about vaccinations.
  3. The federal government can indirectly influence vaccine policies through agencies like the FDA and CDC. Changes in their approach could affect how vaccines are reviewed and recommended.
1169 implied HN points β€’ 05 Nov 24
  1. Election day is important for public health in the U.S. It can greatly affect how health policies are shaped and implemented.
  2. Open conversations between different political groups are crucial for building trust in public health. Everyone needs to work together to improve health outcomes.
  3. No matter the election result, those in public health will keep fighting for better health for everyone. The commitment to serve the public remains strong.
485 implied HN points β€’ 06 Dec 24
  1. There is a webinar on December 10 about communicating health in today's divided environment. It will be helpful for anyone interested in public health.
  2. Kyle McGowan, a former CDC Chief of Staff, will join the discussion to share useful strategies. This could provide valuable insights for health professionals.
  3. The event is free for subscribers and will include a live question-and-answer session. If you can't attend, a recording will be available afterward.
303 implied HN points β€’ 16 Dec 24
  1. Effective health communication is about more than just facts. It's about building trust and helping people take action, especially when opinions are divided.
  2. Listening to others and framing messages carefully can help get more people on board with health initiatives.
  3. It's important for public health workers to avoid burnout after a long fight, as they still have ongoing challenges ahead.
1299 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 24
  1. Older adults can expect to get a Covid-19 vaccine next spring. Getting two shots a year may provide better protection, especially for those over 65.
  2. There’s a multistate outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald's hamburgers, caused by slivered onions. It’s important to stay aware of food safety and current health warnings.
  3. Since the Dobbs decision, infant mortality rates have increased, mainly due to birth defects. This shows how political decisions can impact health and wellbeing.
1105 implied HN points β€’ 30 Oct 24
  1. Check the basic logic of claims before sharing. If something sounds outrageous, take a moment to think it through.
  2. Follow the money behind the claims you see. If someone profits from spreading a story, be cautious about believing it.
  3. Stay skeptical and ask questions. The more you look into a claim, the better you'll understand its truth.
1002 implied HN points β€’ 01 Nov 24
  1. The levels of common respiratory viruses like RSV, Covid, and flu are currently low, but keep an eye out for mycoplasma pneumonia if a cough lingers. It's often mild but can be treated with antibiotics.
  2. Many people are feeling stressed about the upcoming elections, which can even lead to health issues like heart problems. It's important to take care of yourself and find ways to manage this stress.
  3. The CDC has lowered the pneumococcal vaccine eligibility to anyone 50 and older, but this could be confusing. It's essential to understand the different vaccines available and make sure you're protected.
1193 implied HN points β€’ 16 Oct 24
  1. To improve America's health, we need to focus on real problems and not get distracted by minor issues. Understanding the causes of our health problems is critical.
  2. Access to quality healthcare and addressing social factors like food access is essential for reducing preventable diseases. Solutions should consider both health care and lifestyle.
  3. Public health relies on evidence-based practices. Ideas that sound good but lack strong backing might not help at all and could even make things worse.
959 implied HN points β€’ 11 Oct 24
  1. Free Covid-19 tests are now available for all. You can order them online and they will be delivered to your home.
  2. Obesity rates in the U.S. are showing some decline after many years of increase, but the drop could be uncertain and isn't significant yet.
  3. Routine vaccinations for kids are dropping, which is concerning. More children are unvaccinated against diseases like measles, and this trend needs to be addressed to prevent outbreaks.
904 implied HN points β€’ 09 Oct 24
  1. It's important to separate facts from opinions when discussing science and policy. Confusing the two can lead to mistrust in both.
  2. Values play a big role in public health decisions, and people often disagree on what should take priority, like saving lives versus personal freedom.
  3. We need clear and honest communication about scientific uncertainty. People want to understand evolving data, not just fixed facts.
646 implied HN points β€’ 23 Oct 24
  1. Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies have been developed to protect against RSV, especially for pregnant women and infants, showing high effectiveness in reducing hospitalizations.
  2. Older adults are also at risk for RSV, and the vaccine is effective for those over 60, but it’s important for them to discuss options with their healthcare providers.
  3. Real-world data confirms that RSV protection is effective and safer than getting the disease, but many people still lack awareness about these preventive measures.
1815 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 24
  1. YLE has reached its 4th anniversary with continuous growth and a dedicated audience.
  2. The YLE audience is globally diverse, primarily in North America and Australia, with a strong trend of educated readers interested in healthcare and science.
  3. Looking into the future, YLE plans to expand its content beyond virus-related topics, engage more in local health issues, and diversify its audience.
1445 implied HN points β€’ 14 Mar 24
  1. Public health messaging sounded like a sales pitch, leading to a loss of trust due to data issues, messaging inaccuracies, and a mix of advocacy with scientific communication.
  2. Helpful information, like practical tips for care and specific risk factors, was missing, causing confusion and fear among the public.
  3. Opinions being treated as facts and a disconnect between personal experiences and the official narrative led to frustration and loss of trust, but some improvements are being made to address these issues.
1815 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jan 24
  1. The amount of DNA fragments in Covid-19 vaccines is relatively small compared to other particles.
  2. DNA fragments are present in all vaccines and various medical treatments, and are kept at minimal levels for safety.
  3. Human bodies have natural mechanisms to deal with foreign DNA and prevent integration into our genes.
1250 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 24
  1. Contagiousness of Covid-19 remains the same, spreading for 5-12 days.
  2. Health policy decisions involve balancing protection, actionability, and feasibility for diverse populations.
  3. CDC's consideration of new Covid-19 isolation guidelines raises questions about following guidelines, impact on community transmission, and stakeholder views.