The hottest COVID-19 Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health Politics Topics

JN.1 - how worried should you be?

Logging the World • 737 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Health data Preventive measures Public Health
  1. A new faster-growing variant, JN.1, has emerged from the BA.2.86 family, showing potential for significant impact on COVID trends.
  2. The growth rate of JN.1 suggests a concerning pattern of exponential increase over time, raising alarm for future hospital admissions.
  3. Changing social behaviors post-Christmas may lead to a potential decrease in overall growth rates, impacting the severity of future COVID waves.

Year-on-year COVID comparisons

Logging the World • 1056 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Data Analysis Public Health Vaccination Epidemiology
  1. Overall, COVID admissions and death rates in 2023 are lower than the corresponding days in 2022, suggesting positive progress in managing the virus.
  2. Comparisons of primary beds occupied 'for COVID' show similar positive trends in 2023 compared to 2022, indicating improved conditions.
  3. The data suggests that in 2023, COVID outcomes have improved significantly compared to previous years, with lower deaths and better management, showcasing progress in handling the pandemic.

New CDC-Funded Study Finds Some Vaccinated Children More Likely To Get COVID

Unmasked • 62 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines COVID-19 Misinformation
  1. A new study funded by the CDC shows that some vaccinated children may actually be more likely to get COVID. This surprises many who thought the vaccines would fully protect them.
  2. Many countries in Europe did not recommend COVID vaccines for children, raising questions about their necessity and safety in the U.S.
  3. There's a growing distrust in public health guidelines as experts appear to have given mixed messages on vaccines and their effectiveness.

Lessons from Emory-- Masking Mistakes

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 164 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Policy Health Equity
  1. Closing schools for long periods during COVID-19 was a mistake. Some countries didn't close schools and found that kids were not at high risk, which should have guided decisions.
  2. Vaccinating children and healthy adults who have had COVID-19 may not be the best idea. There's concern that this might lead to more vaccine hesitancy, especially when the urgency is communicated incorrectly.
  3. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted poorer communities much more than wealthier ones. There needs to be more open discussions and debates to improve understanding about pandemic responses and their effects.
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Covid Situation Report: Mar 21, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 299 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Healthcare policy Epidemiology Disease Prevention
  1. Covid hospital admissions are low and stable, indicating the winter surge is over. Rates for flu are slightly higher than for Covid right now.
  2. Deaths due to Covid have decreased in the past month, reflecting lower infection rates. Overall, Covid is still present but at manageable levels.
  3. Older adults are at higher risk for hospitalization if they get Covid. It's important to limit contact when showing symptoms to protect yourself and others.

Chartbook 237: Whither China? (4): Zero-Covid myths, dynamic clearing & the Omicron crisis of 2022

Chartbook • 1702 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics China COVID-19 Policy Economy Mortality
  1. The zero-Covid policy in China was not always about sustained repression, but involved dynamic clearing to contain outbreaks.
  2. The economic impact of China's Covid policy was influenced more by global demand and housing market than by the lockdowns.
  3. The sudden abandonment of zero-Covid in China in 2022 resulted in a significant projected death toll, showcasing the complexity and consequences of the regime's decisions.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 18, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Healthcare policy Disease Control
  1. The Covid situation is improving, with lower hospital admissions and positivity rates compared to before. However, some areas are seeing slight increases.
  2. There is a new booster campaign for older adults and those at risk, highlighting the ongoing need for vaccination to prevent severe outcomes.
  3. Covid is still around and can be serious, especially for older people, so it's important to follow safety measures when feeling unwell.

Sanitizer Surge: Cautionary Consequences of COVID-19 Crisis

COVID Reason • 1546 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Environmental Impact Public Health Crisis Management
  1. The surge in demand for hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 crisis led to unintended consequences.
  2. The FDA's decision to relax regulations in response to the demand resulted in an influx of inexperienced hand sanitizer manufacturers.
  3. The environmental catastrophe in Carson, California, highlights the importance of considering potential risks and consequences during a crisis.

Now They Tell Us! The Suspicious Shift on Universal Masking in Healthcare Settings

COVID Reason • 1705 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Masks Pandemic response COVID-19
  1. Experts suggest that universal masking in healthcare settings may not be as necessary as previously claimed due to changing pandemic context.
  2. Downsides of universal masking in healthcare are discussed, such as communication barriers and negative impacts on trust and empathy.
  3. Authors propose managing COVID-19 using Standard Precautions, suggesting a shift from pandemic-era strategies like asymptomatic testing and contact tracing.

Surprise, Surprise, Anthony Fauci Lied Again

Unmasked • 86 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health COVID-19 Political Accountability Government Trust Health Policy
  1. Anthony Fauci has admitted to lying about herd immunity levels to encourage vaccinations. This shows a willingness to manipulate facts for perceived greater good.
  2. He avoids responsibility for school closures, even though he made public claims supporting those closures at the time. This suggests he uses language carefully to distance himself from backlash.
  3. Recent emails released from Fauci show patterns of dishonesty, leading to decreased public trust in him and health authorities. Many people now doubt the credibility of public health experts.

Which Arm Should You Get Your COVID-19 Booster In?

LIL Science • 727 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Immunity Vaccination COVID-19 Research Public Health
  1. The arm in which you receive your COVID-19 booster might make a difference in your immune response.
  2. Getting the booster in the same arm as the previous dose could lead to higher neutralizing antibodies and specific T cells.
  3. Memory B cells may persist in the draining lymph node, potentially aiding quicker immune response upon re-exposure to the antigen.

The National Academy of Medicine is only inducting COVID commenters who were incorrect

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 103 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Policy Analysis Trust Issues
  1. The National Academy of Medicine is mostly recognizing people who gave wrong advice about COVID-19. It's surprising that many who commented about COVID-19 and were inducted were incorrect.
  2. There seems to be a focus on honoring those who were strongly in favor of measures like masking and lockdowns. This suggests a loyalty to a specific viewpoint rather than evaluating based on facts or merit.
  3. This trend can hurt public trust in health institutions. If organizations are driven by ideology instead of balanced evidence, it makes people skeptical about their recommendations.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 11, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 199 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Healthcare policy
  1. Covid hospital admissions are low and stable, indicating that the winter surge has mostly ended. This is a good sign for managing the virus.
  2. A Spring 2024 booster campaign is starting soon, targeting older adults and those with weakened immune systems to help keep them safer.
  3. Deaths from Covid have significantly decreased compared to last year, and the overall numbers continue to go down, which is encouraging news.

Friday Q&A: assessing COVID risk; Ozempic/Mounjaro; booster shots; & CBD gummies for sleep

Are You Okay? • 459 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Medication Weight Loss Vaccination Mental health
  1. It's important to balance the risks associated with COVID-19 with the desire for social interaction and living a fulfilling life.
  2. Protecting against serious COVID outcomes involves getting vaccinated and optimizing health, while preventing infection means avoiding sick individuals and wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces.
  3. Decisions regarding COVID risk mitigation should be personalized, taking into account individual vulnerabilities and risk tolerance, and it's advised to consult with a healthcare provider for tailored advice.

US Government Lied About COVID, Censored Americans, Says US Government

Unmasked • 50 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government oversight Public Health COVID-19 Policy Critique Censorship
  1. The U.S. government made serious mistakes in handling COVID, according to an official report. It shows many leaders, including Dr. Fauci and President Biden, didn't act as they should have.
  2. A dedicated committee investigated the government's actions during the pandemic. Their findings reveal a lot about the failures and missteps along the way.
  3. Some people want to forget the harsh COVID rules and how they were enforced. However, there are ongoing efforts to remember and understand what actually happened.

Hospitals, BA.2.86, schools, Twitter, teaching

Logging the World • 637 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Mental health Teaching
  1. COVID optimism might be on the rise based on recent data trends like the BA.2.86 growth rates and hospital investigations.
  2. Studies show a concerning decline in mental health among school children during the pandemic, indicating the need for better support.
  3. Personal experiences such as being locked out of social media and starting a large teaching session can affect one's daily routine.

Friday Q&A: silent spread of COVID; full body MRI; Ambien risks; & quantifying risk

Are You Okay? • 599 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Risk Assessment Symptoms Preventive Care
  1. Some studies suggest that asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19 may have low viral infectivity, meaning they are less likely to spread the virus.
  2. Having a full-body MRI has benefits like early cancer detection, but it may not always be necessary for everyone and should be evaluated based on individual health considerations.
  3. Ensure to stay informed about current health topics and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance.

Friday Q&A: COVID, masks, boosters & testing

Are You Okay? • 599 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Masks Vaccines Public Health Medical Advice
  1. High-grade, well-fitted, consistently-worn masks can help protect the individual against infection, but mask mandates have not shown to slow the spread of COVID.
  2. The Cochrane review published in January 2023 concluded that wearing masks 'probably makes little or no difference' to COVID outcomes on a population level.
  3. While masks can offer personal protection, mask mandates in 2023 may not be effective without evidence to support their impact and considering they are not a harm-free intervention.

Self-indulgent anniversary post

Logging the World • 518 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
📰 News COVID-19 Education Statistics Social media Government
  1. The author reflects on their first year on Substack, the experience of a post going viral, and their content on COVID and other topics.
  2. The post discusses the author's favorite non-COVID topics including a clever idea, an education policy, and the joys of walking.
  3. The article highlights the impact of a post on Dominic Cummings boosting views, emphasizes the unpredictable nature of virality, and teases future discussions on the UK COVID Inquiry.

The FL vaccine study used by the surgeon general was altered

Science Forever • 557 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccines Misinformation Public Health
  1. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo used an altered study to support his views on COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, but the data he referred to did not compare the vaccine risks to the risks of COVID-19.
  2. Challenging scientific consensus should go through established processes like peer review, not by omitting data or spreading misinformation in op-eds and white papers.
  3. The scientific community needs to find ways to counter anti-science movements that exploit confusion and established processes to push political agendas.

Study Shows Lack of Link Between High BMI and COVID Deaths

Weight and Healthcare • 698 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Research Body Weight Health Inequality Fat Activism
  1. Some studies rushed during the pandemic suggested a link between high BMI and COVID deaths, but a recent umbrella review found serious quality concerns with these conclusions.
  2. The study focused on the quality and certainty of the evidence regarding the association between high BMI and COVID mortality.
  3. Healthcare inequalities can impact outcomes for higher-weight individuals, and research often pathologizes body size without fully considering all confounding factors.

ACIP Cliff notes: Feb 28

Your Local Epidemiologist • 853 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines COVID-19 Epidemiology Public Health
  1. CDC recommends older adults receive a second Covid-19 vaccine in the spring, especially those over 65.
  2. The majority of people hospitalized for Covid-19 were not up-to-date on their annual vaccine, with specific risk factors common among them.
  3. Vaccine coverage challenges in the US stem from concerns like unknown side effects, lack of trust, and physician recommendations.

Summertime Blues

Logging the World • 518 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Pandemic response Vaccine Social media
  1. Lockdown restrictions have mostly been dismantled in the UK, returning to normalcy post-COVID.
  2. It's important to allow young people to enjoy festivals and parties after putting aspects of their lives on hold during the pandemic, despite public health concerns.
  3. Language around illness as punishment can lead to harmful judgments and biases in healthcare and society.

Friday Q&A: More COVID Queries!

Are You Okay? • 499 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccines Public Health Immune System Medical Advice
  1. Individuals may receive conflicting advice on COVID boosters due to factors like age, health conditions, and immunity status. Consult with a healthcare provider to assess personal risk and benefits.
  2. Protection against severe COVID relies on T cells activated by past vaccines or infections, even if it has been a while since the last shot. Booster shots are especially beneficial for high-risk groups.
  3. Long-lasting symptoms like voice changes post-COVID recovery may occur. Always seek medical advice for persistent symptoms to determine if they are temporary or need further evaluation.

Brief bonus COVID update

Logging the World • 498 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Health data Impact assessment
  1. There is a new COVID variant called XBB.1.16, but it may not be as alarming as headlines suggest, with a modest transmission advantage in comparison to previous variants.
  2. The severity of the XBB.1.16 variant is not significantly higher than previous waves, and it currently has a low presence in the UK.
  3. Overall, the impact of the XBB.1.16 variant is expected to be relatively small, akin to ripples rather than a major wave like previous dominant variants.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 4, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 139 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Healthcare policy Disease Control Vaccination
  1. Covid case numbers are low in England, and hospital admissions are stable. This shows that the winter surge is over, but we still need to be cautious.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is starting for older people and those with weakened immune systems, highlighting the importance of vaccinations.
  3. Changes in Covid testing mean fewer routine tests will be available, but Covid hospital admissions will still help track how the virus is spreading in the community.

The Endless Cycle Of Insanity Continues: Mask Mandates Are Back Again

Unmasked • 75 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policies COVID-19 Government Response Misinformation
  1. Mask mandates are returning in some areas, like California, as winter approaches. This has happened repeatedly since 2020.
  2. There is a belief that these mask mandates have failed to prevent illness in the past. Many are questioning why they are being reinstated again.
  3. Some people feel that there is a lot of misinformation surrounding the mask policies and the studies supporting them. This creates confusion about their actual effectiveness.

Having Neighbors Who Vote for Donald Trump Is Dangerous to Your Health

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 361 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccination Donald Trump Misinformation
  1. Having neighbors who vote for Donald Trump could lead to a higher chance of dying from the Covid Plague.
  2. The difference in Covid outcomes between counties may not be due to behavioral factors, but rather to vaccination rates influenced by political views.
  3. Vaccination rates seem to be linked to political figures like Donald Trump, showing how politics can impact public health.