The hottest COVID-19 Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health Politics Topics

Paxlovid is not a Panacea

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 23 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication COVID-19 Treatment Vaccination Immunity
  1. Paxlovid is not a one-size-fits-all solution and its effectiveness varies depending on factors like age, vaccination status, and underlying health conditions.
  2. Using Paxlovid in vaccinated individuals is still being studied, but it has shown anecdotal improvement in symptoms for some high-risk patients.
  3. Some vaccinated patients have experienced a rebound of COVID symptoms after finishing a course of Paxlovid, prompting further research and caution in prescribing.

Mental Health Matters

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 02 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health COVID-19 Holistic health Trauma
  1. Mental health is important in everyday life and should be nurtured alongside physical health
  2. Amid COVID-19, focusing on strategies proven effective and protecting vulnerable populations is crucial
  3. Beyond the pandemic, it's essential to address broader health concerns, take care of basic needs, and work on reclaiming aspects of life that have slipped away

Manage BA.2—And Our Expectations

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 18 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Symptoms Testing Isolation Treatment
  1. The Omicron BA.2 variant is highly contagious but generally not causing more severe illness than previous versions in vaccinated and boosted individuals. Symptoms can range from mild cold-like to more severe, and testing is crucial to differentiate between COVID and other common illnesses.
  2. Rapid antigen tests are effective in detecting contagious levels of the virus, and isolation guidelines recommend staying isolated for at least 5 days after a positive test, preferably until a negative test is obtained.
  3. Vaccination, boosting where eligible, staying home when sick, and seeking medical advice are crucial steps in managing COVID. Understanding that exposure may be inevitable, a balanced approach to precautions is recommended to protect oneself and others.

Boost Your Immunity

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Immunity Vaccination COVID-19 Medical Advice Public Health
  1. The FDA authorized a second booster shot for specific groups, emphasizing individual responsibility in COVID protection.
  2. Data supports high effectiveness of COVID vaccines in reducing hospitalization rates, especially with more booster shots.
  3. Consulting a primary care provider for personalized advice on receiving additional booster shots is crucial for making informed decisions.
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We Are Not Done

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccines Immunity Public Health Therapeutics
  1. High school and college students are experiencing mixed emotions about removing masks, ranging from excitement to worry and empathy for others.
  2. As mask mandates are lifted, individuals are responsible for assessing their own risks and decisions about wearing masks.
  3. Key lessons learned in the age of Omicron include the evolving role of vaccines, the importance of ventilation, the legitimacy of infection-acquired immunity, and the increasing population immunity compared to last year.

Take It From a Pediatrician

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Immunity Mental health Child development
  1. As COVID-19 restrictions relax, pediatricians are sharing optimistic views on the progress made, including the availability of effective vaccines and the decreasing severity of the virus over time.
  2. Children who have recovered from COVID-19 tend to develop lasting immunity, with studies showing a strong immune response, even greater than adults, in some cases.
  3. The potential harms of prolonged mask wearing on children's development, combined with the psychological impacts of the pandemic, highlight the importance of considering the overall well-being of children when making decisions about COVID-19 precautions.

Own Your Fear; Don’t Capitulate to it

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Anxiety COVID-19 Vaccination Therapy
  1. Recognize and face your fears instead of giving in to them. Trust facts and balance risks for sound decision-making.
  2. Anxiety during a global crisis is normal. It's important to calibrate fear to actual risks and consider seeking help if anxiety interferes with daily life.
  3. Talking out your thoughts and fact-checking internal narratives can help manage anxiety and maintain self-awareness.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up if You’re Infected, Exposed and/or Confused.

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccination Self-compassion Fear Logistics Emotions
  1. Experiencing COVID symptoms after vaccination is common, but most people have milder symptoms and a lower risk of severe illness thanks to vaccines and boosters.
  2. Dealing with COVID involves medical challenges like fear and treatment options, logistical challenges like testing and isolation, and emotional challenges like guilt and shame.
  3. Getting COVID isn't a moral failure; it's a part of being human. We need to show empathy, self-compassion, and accept that exposures may happen despite precautions.

Replace Fear with Facts

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health COVID-19 Vaccination Long Covid Mental Wellbeing
  1. Fear-based messaging can be harmful by causing anxiety, promoting unhealthy behaviors, and impairing decision-making.
  2. Medical professionals should focus on providing fact-based information, nuanced guidance, and empowering patients to make informed decisions.
  3. Doctors in the public eye should remain humble, aware of their biases, and prioritize delivering accurate medical information rather than sensationalism.

Giddy Up for Omicron

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 04 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccination Mental health Public Health Self-care
  1. Omicron is generally mild for vaccinated individuals and the vaccines are effective in preventing severe illness.
  2. Reducing isolation period to 5 days is scientifically sound, promotes normalcy, and is beneficial for mental health.
  3. Kids are more likely to get COVID-19 outside of school, and keeping them in school is important for social, emotional, and educational well-being.

Acceptance Can Be the Birthplace of Change

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health COVID-19 Vaccines
  1. Acceptance is crucial for initiating change - understanding what can and can't be controlled is key.
  2. In dealing with the impacts of the pandemic, recalibrating our risk assessment and embracing acceptance is a valuable approach.
  3. It's important to stay informed and proactive regarding health measures like flu shots and upcoming vaccines for children.

Boost Your Vaccine Confidence

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination COVID-19 Booster shots Immunity Public Health
  1. The CDC recommends booster shots for specific groups at higher risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19 breakthrough infections, but the decision is complex and based on evolving data.
  2. Recommendations for Moderna and J & J vaccine recipients are still pending, but it's suggested that high-risk individuals consider a third dose, potentially even from a different type of vaccine for additional protection.
  3. The focus should be on trusting the existing vaccines and immune systems to manage COVID-19 risks, rather than solely relying on boosters to eliminate the pandemic threat entirely.

Protect Kids From Delta

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 09 Aug 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Children's Health Vaccination COVID-19 Public Health Health recommendations
  1. Delta variant is more contagious, leading to more COVID-19 cases, even among vaccinated individuals, but breakthrough cases are generally mild
  2. Vaccinated people do not currently need booster shots, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine shows promising protection against severe disease or death from Delta
  3. Children are generally at lower risk from Delta variant, but unvaccinated kids with underlying health conditions need extra protection measures like being surrounded by vaccinated adults and staying home when sick

Unpack CDC’s New Guidance

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 02 Aug 21
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccination
  1. CDC now recommends masks indoors for vaccinated people in areas with high transmission risk
  2. Vaccines offer strong protection against severe disease and death from COVID-19, even with the Delta variant
  3. It's not clear if vaccinated asymptomatic people can easily transmit the virus, more data is needed

Dig Into Delta

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 26 Jul 21
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccination Symptoms Prevention
  1. Vaccinations remain effective against severe COVID-19 cases, even with the Delta variant.
  2. Vaccinated individuals may still choose to wear masks indoors based on personal risk factors or local infection rates.
  3. Vaccinated people do not significantly drive the spread of the Delta variant; continued vaccination efforts are crucial to combat the pandemic.

Recap and Regroup

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jul 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health COVID-19 Vaccination Public Health
  1. Taking a break is important for mental health and well-being. Delegating tasks and slowing down can help with burnout.
  2. COVID-19 is still a significant concern. Vaccination remains crucial for protection, especially against the delta variant.
  3. Focusing on holistic health is key. Emphasizing mental health, relationships, and healthy lifestyle choices can lead to overall well-being.

Take a Pregnant Pause

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jul 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Pregnancy COVID-19 Vaccination Decision-making
  1. Pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging due to the risks involved. It is essential to weigh the benefits of getting vaccinated.
  2. Data on pregnant individuals who received the COVID vaccine shows reassuring safety outcomes for both the person and the pregnancy.
  3. The mRNA vaccine technology has been in production for a decade and is safe, providing a crucial tool for protecting pregnant and breastfeeding patients.

Demystify Delta

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jun 21
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccinations Immunity Children Fear
  1. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna work well against the Delta variant, providing strong protection from severe disease and death.
  2. People who received the J & J vaccine may benefit from a single mRNA vaccine dose as a booster, based on similar mechanisms of action with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
  3. It's vital to encourage vaccination, remain calm if fully vaccinated, and put the risk of COVID-19 into perspective by evaluating evolving data and minimizing fear.

Vax to Relax

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jun 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Child Health COVID-19 Public Health Vaccination Mental health
  1. Parenting involves balancing restrictions and freedoms for children.
  2. Fall 2020 was a challenging time for kids due to the pandemic, and there are considerations about reopening schools in a safe manner.
  3. It's important to shift from a zero-risk approach to relative-risk-reduction mode when dealing with COVID-19 to address the broader needs of individuals and populations.

Pick Your Battles

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jun 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Child Health Parenting COVID-19 Medical Advice
  1. Consider the risks and benefits before making decisions about your family's health, like getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
  2. Vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines, are effective and safe, providing protection and helping reduce transmission.
  3. Making informed decisions based on science and facts, not fear, is crucial when navigating health choices for your family.

Take the Seventh-Inning Stretch

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 19 May 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines COVID-19 PCR testing Immune System
  1. Vaccinated individuals can still get infected, but typically have mild or no symptoms and are unlikely to transmit the virus.
  2. The effectiveness of vaccines, like the Johnson & Johnson one, increases after several weeks, reducing the risk of infection.
  3. PCR tests are very sensitive and can detect low levels of virus, but the presence of virus doesn't always mean an individual is sick or contagious.

Look at the Big Picture Even Though We’re Not Done

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 21
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccination Mental health Physical health
  1. Vaccination is crucial for restoring health, safety, and sanity, motivating people to get vaccinated.
  2. CDC guidance on mask-wearing can create confusion and anxiety, especially for unvaccinated and high-risk individuals.
  3. As we navigate through the pandemic, it's essential to consider the big picture, focus on overall health goals, and respect individual decisions regarding health measures.

I’ll Have What She’s Having

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 12 May 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination COVID-19 Family Community Global
  1. CDC has acknowledged minimal risk for vaccinated individuals, allowing mask removal indoors and outdoors except in certain scenarios like public transportation.
  2. Vaccinating teens can contribute to returning to normalcy quicker, as vaccines are proven safe and effective in this age group.
  3. Vaccinating children helps protect the community by limiting the spread of the virus, preventing mutation, and creating stronger immunity overall.

Don’t be Surprised When Vaccinated People Get Covid

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 12 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination COVID-19 Mental health Anxiety Immune System
  1. Vaccines are working - reducing severe disease, hospitalizations, and asymptomatic transmission, providing hope for lifting restrictions soon.
  2. Challenges remain - rising case rates in states with lifted restrictions, vaccine hesitancy slowing herd immunity, and reports of breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals.
  3. Breakthrough infections after vaccination are expected, but rare, and usually do not result in severe illness or onward transmission - no need for alarm.

Hope and Caution aren’t Mutually Exclusive

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 05 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health COVID-19 Vaccination Well-being
  1. When good news is based on science, it's important to share it - like addressing mental health alongside physical health during the pandemic.
  2. Vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe COVID, but it's crucial to remember that zero risk doesn't exist, and individual health plays a role.
  3. Nuanced medical advice tailored to individuals is key in the evolving health landscape, emphasizing the importance of having a primary care doctor.

Get Excited with Me

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 01 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination COVID-19 Immunity Data Efficacy
  1. The vaccines have shown strong effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 after full vaccination, making it difficult to contract the disease.
  2. After vaccination, the risk of transmitting the virus and making others sick is extremely low, providing protection for both the vaccinated individual and those around them.
  3. The vaccines have proven to be powerful against COVID-19 variants, with data showing high efficacy in preventing severe disease and even mild cases, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.

Socialize Safely

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 29 Mar 21
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccines Risk mitigation Social Interaction Mental health
  1. Vaccines like Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech are highly effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19, reducing infections by 80-90% after one or two doses.
  2. Vaccines also significantly reduce asymptomatic infection and viral transmission, making it unlikely for vaccinated individuals to spread the virus.
  3. The vaccines are powerful against current variants, offering strong protection with minimal risk of severe COVID-19, promoting safer socializing practices.

Collect Your Covid Cliff Notes

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination COVID-19 Immunity Pregnancy Breastfeeding
  1. Currently available vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) effectively prevent death, hospitalization, and severe disease from COVID-19, transforming it into a milder illness.
  2. The vaccines demonstrate high efficacy in the real world, significantly reducing rates of death, hospitalization, and overall cases.
  3. Vaccines work well against current variants, especially when wide vaccination coverage is achieved; masking and distancing are still important, even for vaccinated individuals.

Check Your Mental Health

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 11 Mar 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health COVID-19 Vaccination Self-care
  1. Facing the transition to normalcy post-pandemic can lead to anxiety or FONO (Fear of Normal).
  2. Vaccinated individuals can engage in essential activities like hugging and visiting loved ones with low risk of transmission.
  3. It's vital to prioritize mental health, engage in self-care, and talk about emotional experiences when dealing with changes and reentry.

Pick Your Friends, Not Your Vaccine

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Immunity COVID-19 Herd Immunity Transmission
  1. The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson are highly effective at preventing death, severe disease, and hospitalization.
  2. Vaccine efficacy is about reducing the risk of disease in a vaccinated population compared to an unvaccinated population.
  3. It's better to get any available vaccine rather than wait for a specific one as all vaccines contribute to immunization, move us closer to herd immunity, and allow for some return to normalcy.

Take the First Vaccine You’re Offered

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 25 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines COVID-19 Public Health Immunity Medical Advice
  1. Take the first vaccine available, as all vaccines effectively prevent death and reduce hospitalization from COVID-19.
  2. Vaccine efficacy percentages are about relative risk, and all approved vaccines are successes of modern medicine.
  3. Currently available vaccines protect against variants, but regular boosters may be necessary in the future.

Health is More Than the Absence of Disease

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 18 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccination Risk mitigation Health Benefits Decision-making
  1. Vaccination against COVID-19 aims to prevent disease for the individual and transmission to protect others. The available vaccines have shown strong protection against severe disease and death.
  2. Recent data suggests that COVID-19 vaccines not only protect against the disease but also reduce transmission. Vaccination plays a crucial role in combating the pandemic.
  3. Health extends beyond just avoiding illness. Mitigating risks, making informed decisions, and considering broader needs are essential components of overall health.

Consider Kids

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Children's Health Parenting Mental health Education COVID-19
  1. Dr. Kelly Fradin emphasizes the importance of mental and physical health going hand-in-hand in providing realistic, practical advice rooted in science to patients and parents.
  2. Schools can reopen safely with precautions in place to mitigate risks, based on scientific consensus and data from various countries and US areas.
  3. The COVID-19 variants like P.1, B.1.351, and B.1.1.7 are likely to become predominant in the US; adherence to quarantine guidelines plays a crucial role in maintaining in-person schooling amidst potential new surges.

Double Down to Dig Ourselves Out

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 04 Feb 21
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Vaccines Testing
  1. Staying vigilant against COVID-19 is crucial as new variants are more contagious, even if not more lethal. The race is between the virus's ability to mutate and our ability to mitigate risks and vaccinate.
  2. Increasing vaccine doses and implementing widespread testing are key strategies. Vaccinating large populations can save lives and reduce virus mutations, while frequent at-home testing helps identify and isolate asymptomatic carriers.
  3. Universal mask-wearing and enhancing risk mitigation efforts are important. Layering measures like double masking in high-risk environments and adhering to strict mitigation rules will help curb the spread of the virus.
  4. Host community forums could be pivotal in discussing vaccination opportunities and developments.
  5. Ensuring collaboration in implementing vaccination, testing, and preventive measures is crucial for overcoming the pandemic.