The hottest Disease Control Substack posts right now

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Top Health Politics Topics

CBS News Misinforms the Public on Pertussis Vaccination Policy: Dr. Lyons-Weiler Issues a Call for Retraction

Popular Rationalism • 970 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. The CBS News report about whooping cough vaccines contained misinformation, suggesting adults need a booster every ten years for pertussis. This is misleading because the CDC does not recommend regular boosters for pertussis.
  2. The effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine decreases significantly within a few years, meaning people can still get infected and spread the disease even after vaccination. This poses risks, especially to infants who are not fully vaccinated.
  3. The vaccine does not provide herd immunity, making it difficult to rely on vaccinated adults to protect vulnerable groups. The public should be educated about the limitations of the vaccine and the risks of asymptomatic carriers.

20 public health wins in 2025

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1767 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. Public health teams delivered measurable, lifesaving results by preventing and containing outbreaks and reducing harms like heat-related deaths.
  2. Policy and clinical advances expanded access to prevention and care at home and abroad, from broader vaccine coverage and affordable HIV prevention to new treatments and programs like free child care and adult vaccines.
  3. The public health community showed resilience and civic engagement by forming coalitions, defending evidence in courts and politics, and putting scientists into public office to protect science-based policy.

Infant formula botulism cluster, black box warning for HRT, flu is waking up, new blood pressure guidelines, and more

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1503 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. RSV and flu cases are rising, especially in young children, making vaccination important right now.
  2. A recent infant formula recall has linked botulism cases to ByHeart brand, so it's advised to stop using this product immediately.
  3. New blood pressure guidelines recommend using a calculator for personalized heart health and suggest checking blood pressure at home for better accuracy.

Covid Situation Report: Jul 11, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. Covid case rates and hospital admissions are stabilizing, but they are still higher than May's figures. It looks like the peak may have passed, but caution is needed.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign had lower vaccine coverage compared to previous campaigns, especially among vulnerable groups. This means more people might be at risk.
  3. Long Covid remains a concern for everyone, and it's important to take safety measures like self-isolating and wearing masks if you're feeling unwell.
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A plague death, floods’ health impact, vaccine injuries hearing at Senate today, Covid still low, and more

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1405 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. A recent plague death in Arizona reminds us that while it's rare, the disease can still occur. Staying aware and cautious in areas where it's found is important.
  2. Flooding not only causes immediate harm but also leads to long-term health issues, with thousands more deaths linked to stress and other health risks. Climate change is worsening flood risks, making community preparedness vital.
  3. Today, a Senate hearing will discuss vaccine injuries, which is sensitive and complex. It’s crucial to listen to concerns, but also to recognize that vaccines are generally safe and supported by most people.

Heat risk paradoxes, disease trends, and food alerts

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1430 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. Extreme heat can be really harmful, especially when it's humid. It makes it hard for our bodies to cool down, so it's important to pay attention to humidity and dew point, not just temperature.
  2. It's a tough season for ticks, with a rise in tick-related illnesses. If you're in areas where ticks are common, be cautious and check for bites after being outdoors.
  3. There are some food safety alerts to watch out for. Certain meal products and cough syrup have been recalled because of health risks, so it's smart to check your fridge and pantry.

Flu is (still) taking off, egg prices, new diet standards, Super Bowl, and more

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2404 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. Flu cases are rising sharply this year, with many people experiencing 'influenza-like illnesses' since 2002. Fewer vaccinations among kids and a mismatch between the vaccine and circulating flu strains are contributing to this problem.
  2. A new Ebola vaccine trial has started in Uganda quickly after an outbreak occurred. This is an important step to help control the spread of the virus and protect public health.
  3. New nutrition guidelines suggest that kids aged 5 to 18 should mainly drink plain water and milk, while sugar-sweetened beverages should be limited. This can help improve their overall health and prevent issues like weight gain and dental problems.

More of your H5N1 questions answered

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1263 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  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.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 18, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics 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.

The Dose (November 22)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1320 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 2

Force of Infection • 97 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. Flu cases are rising in the U.S., especially among young kids, but overall activity is still below last year's levels. Hospitalizations are very low right now.
  2. COVID-19 levels are quite low nationally, but there's a chance they may increase following the holiday travel period.
  3. RSV is also increasing but is relatively mild compared to past seasons, along with other cold and flu-like illnesses spreading widely.

The Dose (November 1)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1002 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  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.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 4, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 139 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 27

Force of Infection • 515 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  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.

Florida’s recommendations give room for measles to spread

Your Local Epidemiologist • 889 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Disease Control
  1. Florida's health department made controversial recommendations that contradict standard practice guidelines for managing measles outbreaks, risking the spread of the disease.
  2. Isolation after measles exposure is critical to prevent transmission since measles is highly contagious compared to other viruses and has a long incubation period.
  3. Measles can have severe consequences, including hospitalization, pneumonia, and encephalitis, highlighting the importance of following established guidelines and maintaining high vaccination rates.

It's Already Worse Than We Thought

OK Doomer • 250 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. The CDC recently shared worrying info about bird flu that was quickly retracted. This shows how serious the situation is around certain viruses.
  2. Viruses can mutate to become more dangerous over time, not just milder. Sometimes they start off seeming harmless, then turn deadly.
  3. Recent events are confirming fears that many have been labeled as 'doom and gloom' for mentioning. This serves as a reminder to take these warnings seriously.

Everything "That Friend" Wants You to Know About H5N1 Bird Flu

OK Doomer • 310 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed in humans, raising concerns about its potential spread this flu season. It's important to be aware of the situation and stay informed.
  2. There are worries that health agencies are not taking adequate measures to control the spread of H5N1. People are feeling uncertain about safety measures and what actions to take.
  3. Historically, mild strains of flu have led to serious outbreaks after mutations. We should remember past mistakes and prepare better this time to avoid repeating history.

Covid "Twindemic"

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. COVID-19 is still a huge problem worldwide, with China facing severe issues due to poor vaccination and lockdown strategies. Many people are getting sick, and there are concerns about the virus spreading more because of this situation.
  2. There is a rising trend of both COVID-19 and flu cases happening together, called a 'twindemic', which is making hospitals very busy. People are not taking preventive measures seriously, thinking the worst is over.
  3. Vaccines and boosters for both COVID-19 and flu are very important now. It's essential for people, especially older adults, to stay careful and continue using masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 24

Force of Infection • 136 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  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.

The Long Road to End Tuberculosis

Asimov Press • 193 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major global health threat, killing around 1.2 million people each year despite vaccines and antibiotics that help in treatment. There is a pressing need for new medicines and vaccines to reduce TB cases and deaths significantly.
  2. The current BCG vaccine against TB has varied effectiveness, especially in adults, and has not been updated for decades. Newer vaccine candidates like M72/AS01E are being developed to provide better protection, particularly for adults.
  3. Antibiotic resistance in TB is a growing concern, making it harder to treat. New strategies to discover antibiotics and improve existing treatments are crucial for combating resistant strains of TB and ensuring effective patient care.

What's Going on with Bird Flu This Winter?

OK Doomer • 17 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  1. Bird flu, especially the H5N1 strain, has been spreading and mutating for about four years, causing concern among experts.
  2. New studies show that bird flu can spread among farmworkers and may even be present in the air, which is a shift from earlier beliefs that it wasn’t airborne.
  3. There are reports of misinformation and pressure in the farming industry about the virus, with more mainstream media acknowledging the seriousness of the situation as we approach a risky respiratory season.

Outbreak Outlook - National - March 3

Force of Infection • 110 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  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.

It's peak flu season

Force of Infection • 119 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control
  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.