The hottest Disease Prevention Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 10

Force of Infection • 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.

Flu activity increases again

Force of Infection • 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.

Wait a Minute. Do They Actually Want a Bird Flu Pandemic? A Look at the Preparations.

OK Doomer • 238 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemics Government Response Disease Prevention Health Policy
  1. Governments seem to be unprepared for the bird flu crisis, even though the situation is serious and worsening. There's a belief that they are choosing not to act effectively.
  2. There's a concern that some officials might actually want a new pandemic. This is based on perceived intentions to benefit from chaos in the economy.
  3. Pressure is mounting on leaders to take the bird flu threat seriously, but so far, real actions are lacking, pointing to a failure to protect public health.

Try This at Home: The World's Simplest Germ Killer

OK Doomer • 24 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Disease Prevention Health Policy Medical Ethics
  1. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a natural germ killer that our bodies already produce to fight germs. It's similar to bleach but safe for use.
  2. There is a growing movement against vaccines in some states, with groups pushing for bans. This comes at a critical time for vaccine development.
  3. Using safe, effective germ-killing methods at home can be important, especially in light of public health concerns and vaccine hesitancy.

The Dose (January 3)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1867 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Vaccination Nutrition Disease Prevention Epidemiology
  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.
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22 Public Health Accomplishments in 2024

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1472 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Disease Prevention Health Education
  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.

Up, up, and away

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1530 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Infectious Diseases Disease Prevention
  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.

The Dose (December 13)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 953 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Vaccines Public Health Disease Prevention Health Insurance
  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.

The Chicken Little Problem: Are We About to Have a Bird Flu Pandemic, or Not?

OK Doomer • 136 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic Preparedness Disease Prevention Public Health Health Communication Healthcare policy
  1. Bird flu is becoming a bigger concern as new cases and mutations suggest it might spread more easily among humans. This raises questions about a potential pandemic.
  2. There have been warnings for nearly three years about H5N1, indicating it may be getting closer to affecting people significantly.
  3. Governments have not adequately prepared for pandemics in the past, which increases the risk for future outbreaks like bird flu.

Make America Healthy Again?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1193 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Health Policy Healthcare access Disease Prevention Health Education
  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.

If You Have Pests, Now Feels Like The Time to Deal with Them.

OK Doomer • 84 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Disease Prevention Sustainable Practices
  1. Using poison for pests can lead to serious problems, like dead animals causing bad smells in your home. It’s better to try and keep them out in the first place.
  2. Mice can carry diseases that can affect humans, so it's important to get rid of them quickly. A mouse problem is serious and can affect the safety of your home.
  3. One effective way to prevent pests, especially in apartments, is to protect your vents. Keeping these areas secure can help stop pests from getting in.

How Your Immune System Actually Works

OK Doomer • 104 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Immunity Disease Prevention Public Health
  1. People often think we need to get sick to strengthen our immune systems, but that's a myth. Our immune system needs more education on how to fight pathogens, not just practice with harmful germs.
  2. Many misunderstandings about the immune system persist because of cultural references and misinformation. It's important to have a clear understanding of how our bodies actually work to combat illness.
  3. Preparing for health challenges requires not just managing outbreaks but also improving public knowledge about immunity. It's vital for everyone to be scientifically literate about their health.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 23

Force of Infection • 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.

Navigating RSV protection this fall

Your Local Epidemiologist • 646 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Disease Prevention Epidemiology
  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.

Vaccines for all?

Independent SAGE continues • 299 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Global Health Public Health Health Equity Disease Prevention
  1. Many children around the world are not getting vaccinated, especially in poor or remote areas. This puts them at high risk for diseases like measles, which is highly contagious.
  2. Vaccine access can be improved with flexible delivery methods, like mobile clinics that bring vaccines directly to communities. This has worked well in places like Sierra Leone and Scotland.
  3. There's a lot of fear and misinformation about vaccines that affects people's willingness to get vaccinated. It's important to listen to concerns and provide accurate information to build trust.

Mel Gibson And Joe Rogan Are Useful Idiots!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Health Policy Medical Ethics Disease Prevention
  1. There isn't any solid proof that the mRNA Covid-19 vaccines are linked to increased health problems or deaths. Many claims just seem to be speculation without evidence to back them up.
  2. A lot of health issues may actually be tied to nuclear pollution from events like Fukushima and not the vaccines. Some people focus on blaming the vaccines instead of looking at these other serious issues.
  3. Critics like Mel Gibson and Joe Rogan seem to push certain narratives without recognizing the broader problems, like military bioweapons or environmental pollution, which might be the real causes behind public health concerns.

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.

How To Submit a Public Comment Re: Sars-CoV-2 Fall 2023 Updated Booster

LIL Science • 628 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Disease Prevention Vaccination Immune System Health Advocacy
  1. Public comments about Sars-CoV-2 Fall 2023 Updated Booster must be submitted by September 8th, 2023, 11:59 EST.
  2. To submit a public comment, go to the CDC website, find the Public Comments tab, follow the link to the Federal eRulemaking Portal, and search by docket number CDC-2023-0060.
  3. Advocates believe the booster should be widely available due to limited protection from existing vaccines, risks of reinfection, and potential long-term health impacts.

February is American Heart Month: what screenings are available for cardiovascular disease?

News from Those Nerdy Girls • 255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Heart Health Disease Prevention Physical activity Healthy Lifestyle
  1. Screening for cardiovascular disease involves checking for risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
  2. Various screenings like EKG, stress test, and coronary calcium score CT scan can help assess risks and symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
  3. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced diet, and quality sleep can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

URGENT: Yale researchers have found Covid spike protein in the blood of people never infected with Covid - years after they got mRNA jabs

Unreported Truths • 115 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Disease Prevention Health Safety
  1. Yale researchers found Covid spike proteins in the blood of some people who got mRNA vaccines, even if they never had Covid. This is surprising because these proteins usually don't stay in the body long after vaccination.
  2. The presence of these spike proteins suggests that the genetic material from the vaccines might be causing cells to keep making them. This raises questions about the long-term safety of mRNA vaccines.
  3. The researchers need to confirm their findings and plan to publish their study soon. They aim to share more information so other scientists can verify these results.

Solving for Disease X

The Society of Problem Solvers • 179 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Prevention Public Health Measures Data Collection
  1. Using decentralized science and human swarm intelligence could help combat pandemics more effectively.
  2. Swarm intelligence involves group problem solving, where many individuals combine to form a more capable entity.
  3. A bottom-up approach with high-trust systems and decentralized problem-solving could lead to better solutions for combating diseases.

On the Origins of Type 1 Diabetes

Eat Shit and Prosper • 439 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Research Autoimmune Disorders Public Health Epidemiology Disease Prevention
  1. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually starts early in life and is linked to specific genetic and environmental factors.
  2. The incidence of T1D is rising globally, but it varies greatly by location and doesn't correlate strongly with typical factors like income or race. Scientists suspect that certain infections, especially with bacteria like Legionella, might trigger the disease in genetically susceptible individuals.
  3. Research suggests that exposure to Legionella bacteria might confuse the immune system, leading it to attack the pancreas. This means that cleaning up contaminated water systems could be key in reducing new T1D cases.

Cavity and Periodontal Disease Prevention

Who is Robert Malone • 22 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Dental Health Nutrition Public Health Disease Prevention Health Policy
  1. Fluoride used in drinking water may not be as helpful as once thought. Recent studies suggest that too much fluoride can actually harm children's IQ.
  2. To prevent cavities and gum disease, it's important to reduce sugar and simple carbs in our diets and to make sure we're getting enough vitamin D.
  3. Our oral health is linked to overall health, including heart disease. Keeping our teeth healthy can help reduce health problems down the line.

Do masks work?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1068 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Education Public Health Epidemiology Medical Science Disease Prevention
  1. The science around masks is complex, with considerations like the type of mask, disease, social context, and transmission period.
  2. Research shows masks can be effective in reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 at both an individual and population level.
  3. The effectiveness of masks is influenced by factors like compliance, type of mask, and social setting, requiring a nuanced approach to policies and recommendations.

Why do so many people have ultra-high levels of anti-spike antibodies years after receiving Covid mRNA jabs?

Unreported Truths • 61 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Medical Research Disease Prevention Antibodies
  1. Many people are showing very high levels of anti-spike antibodies long after getting COVID mRNA vaccines. It's surprising to see that these levels can remain so elevated for years.
  2. The persistent presence of these antibodies raises concerns about potential long-term health effects. We really don't know yet what this means for people's health.
  3. There are important questions we need to answer about why some people have such high antibody levels. Understanding this is key to figuring out if there are any risks involved.

Regional editions begin Oct 28

Force of Infection • 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

Force of Infection • 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.

Masterclass With Masterjohn: The Antioxidant System

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 279 implied HN points • 27 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Antioxidants Nutrition Metabolism Disease Prevention Wellness
  1. Antioxidants play a vital role in supporting our health by regulating energy metabolism, boosting the immune system, and aiding in exercise recovery, but can also contribute to health issues in excess.
  2. A balanced diet rich in nutrients like protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is essential for nourishing the antioxidant system.
  3. Understanding how the antioxidant system works is crucial for harnessing its benefits to support overall health and well-being.

The one way smoking makes you healthier

Eat Shit and Prosper • 159 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Prevention Neurology Addiction
  1. Smoking may reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Studies show that smokers are less likely to get this condition compared to nonsmokers.
  2. Both coffee and smoking have been linked to lower chances of Parkinson's disease. Drinking more coffee appears to provide a similar protective effect.
  3. Constipation can be an early sign of Parkinson's disease, sometimes showing up years before other symptoms. Smoking and coffee might help keep things moving in the gut, which could play a role in reducing Parkinson's risk.

126 | Is Alzheimer's a Foodborne Illness? (incredible new research) | Corruption in Food Supply Chains | Who ya Gonna Call...

The Rotten Apple • 73 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Food Safety Mental health Nutrition Research Disease Prevention
  1. Alzheimer's disease may have a link to foodborne pathogens, such as _Helicobacter pylori_, found in raw milk, vegetables, and meat, potentially transmitted through contaminated food practices.
  2. Corruption in food supply chains poses serious risks to consumer safety and the environment, illustrated by cases like the China melamine milk scandal and the Brazil 'weak meat' scandal.
  3. Corruption in food supply chains comes in various forms like bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of functions, impacting food safety compliance and fair trade practices, highlighting the importance of transparency and strong enforcement measures.

Future of Gut Health and Longevity( Part 10/11)

Gutsphere - Your Ultimate Guide to Optimal Gut Health • 19 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Gut Health Longevity Microbiome Research Disease Prevention
  1. Advancements in microbiome research have uncovered the importance of gut health in overall well-being and disease prevention.
  2. Personalized medicine based on individual microbiome profiles is a promising frontier that could revolutionize healthcare treatments.
  3. Microbiome-based therapies show potential in redefining treatment approaches for various diseases, particularly those common in aging populations.

Measles is making a comeback thanks to anti-vaccine misinformation

Weaponized • 21 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccination Public Health Misinformation Disease Prevention
  1. Measles cases are rising in the US due to anti-vaccine misinformation, with outbreaks reported in various states
  2. Misinformation contributes to declining vaccination rates and has led to a resurgence of measles outbreaks
  3. Vaccination coverage above 95% is crucial to prevent measles outbreaks due to the highly contagious nature of the virus

The Promise of Wearables

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 26 Aug 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Wearables Health Management Disease Prevention
  1. Wearables like Fitbit can potentially predict the onset of Covid-19 symptoms a day or two before they appear, offering a convenient monitoring method.
  2. Machine learning algorithms on wearable data can detect Covid-19 cases 1 day before symptoms start with about 21-29% accuracy, a significant advancement.
  3. Symptoms such as shortness of breath and vomiting are more likely to predict hospitalization due to Covid-19, while wearables offer continuous monitoring with broader implications for health management, especially during pandemics.

Meeting the Choline Requirement — Eggs, Organs, and the Wheat Paradox

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 10
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Genetics Wellness Disease Prevention
  1. The key sources of choline in our diet are organ meats, particularly liver, and eggs, with significantly higher choline content compared to most vegetables and other foods.
  2. Determining the exact choline requirement is complex due to factors like genetic variations, interactions with other vitamins like folate and B12, and dependency on energy sources like sugar, alcohol, and fat.
  3. Wheat and spinach are notable sources of betaine, which can contribute to choline needs and may help resolve paradoxes in dietary studies, suggesting its importance in balancing nutrient intake.