The hottest Epidemiology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

RFK Jr. guts the U.S. vaccine policy committee

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2249 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Policy Epidemiology Health Insurance
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed all members of the U.S. vaccine policy committee, which has been a trusted part of vaccine safety and recommendations for decades.
  2. The change raises concerns about who will be appointed next and whether they will rely on scientific evidence or personal beliefs to guide vaccine policy.
  3. If vaccine recommendations change or lose credibility, it could affect insurance coverage, access to vaccines for children, and create inconsistent state policies that may risk public health.

The Updated Red Meat Story

Ground Truths • 13516 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Microbiome Cognition Epidemiology
  1. Eating a lot of red meat can be linked to health issues like heart problems and cancer. Plant-based diets are usually better for overall health.
  2. Studies show that eating more plant-based foods can help balance the risks from red meat. Even small changes can make a difference in gut health.
  3. Replacing red meat with healthier options like nuts or legumes may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Francis Collins retires from the NIH

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 128 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Biotechnology Policy Analysis Epidemiology Research Ethics
  1. Francis Collins helped find the cystic fibrosis gene, which saved many lives. However, his support for gain of function research and certain policies during the pandemic raised concerns.
  2. Many believe that the impact of Collins' leadership during the pandemic was negative, leading to loss of trust in science and vaccination. His actions may have contributed to millions of deaths and economic losses.
  3. Collins did not explore if the way the NIH gives out grant money was effective. Despite advancements in genetics, many common health issues remain largely unresolved.

BMC Women's Health Publishes a Deeply Flawed Study on Parental Acceptance of HPV Vaccinations. Plus: Three Key Questions Required of Any HPV Vaccine Efficacy Trial

Popular Rationalism • 733 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Research Methodology Epidemiology Cancer prevention
  1. The recent study on parental acceptance of HPV vaccinations has major flaws that make its results questionable. Problems include small sample sizes and not enough diversity in participants.
  2. There is growing concern about HPV type replacement, where non-vaccine types may become more common after vaccination. This could lead to an increase in HPV-related cancers despite vaccination efforts.
  3. Future studies on HPV vaccine efficacy need to focus more on long-term effects and should clearly address issues like type replacement and the percentage of cancers caused by non-vaccine-targeted HPV types.

Covid-19 vaccines, what just happened at the FDA, and why it matters

Your Local Epidemiologist • 3078 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Policy Public Health Epidemiology FDA Regulations
  1. The FDA has changed Covid-19 vaccine guidelines, now recommending them only for people over 65 or those with chronic conditions. This means younger, healthy adults might not get access to vaccines soon.
  2. Normally, big health decisions follow a clear process involving many experts and public discussions. But this recent change was made by just a few appointed officials without involving the usual expert groups.
  3. Many believe this new approach is worrying because it skips the detailed, evidence-based discussions that are important for public health decisions.
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A big discovery, Medicaid cuts, states removing fluoride, drug price questions, and more.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1287 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Changes Medicaid Epidemiology
  1. A recent breakthrough in genetics used new tools to fix a baby's rare disease by editing their DNA. This could lead to treatments for many other genetic disorders.
  2. Florida is removing fluoride from drinking water, which could affect many people's dental health. This decision might inspire other states to follow suit.
  3. Proposed cuts to Medicaid could leave 8.6 million people without health coverage, highlighting the importance of contacting lawmakers about healthcare access.

The Complex Adaptive Landscape Created by SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Shows Us Why Evolution Will Not Allow Effective mRNA Vaccines Against mRNA Viruses, Part 1.

Popular Rationalism • 574 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Immunology
  1. mRNA vaccines face big challenges because of how fast RNA viruses can change. It's unlikely they'll be able to completely eliminate the virus over time.
  2. These vaccines can push viruses to evolve in ways that make them escape detection and survive better. This means the virus can keep changing and might even become more dangerous.
  3. Natural immunity, from getting the virus instead of a vaccine, can be broader and may help prevent newer variants. This shows how different immune responses can affect how the virus evolves.

H5N1: Much More Than You Wanted To Know

Astral Codex Ten • 27324 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Infectious Disease Pandemic Preparedness Risk Assessment
  1. H5N1 bird flu started in birds but can spread to other animals and possibly humans. There are concerns about it becoming a bigger threat as it mutates.
  2. Currently, experts estimate a 5% chance of H5N1 causing a human pandemic in the next year, but it could rise to 50% over the next 20 years.
  3. If H5N1 does become a pandemic, most forecasts suggest it won't be as deadly as the Spanish flu, with risks ranging from normal flu severity to several times worse.

Another PRO-MASK Study Debunked

COVID Reason • 733 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Research Policy Analysis Epidemiology Health Education
  1. Recent studies show that school mask mandates may not significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission. It's important to look closely at how studies are conducted to understand their true effectiveness.
  2. Researchers highlight that using observational data can lead to misleading conclusions about mask mandates. Different methods could give us clearer answers about their impact.
  3. Future public health decisions about masks should rely on strong evidence from well-designed studies. This will help build trust and ensure that interventions are truly beneficial.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 24

Force of Infection • 136 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Food Safety
  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.

Movers and Shakers: Can you sue over Parkinson's?

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 674 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Environmental health Legal issues Epidemiology Chronic Illness
  1. It's unclear if people with Parkinson's can sue for their condition. A recent case showed the link between Parkinson's and chemicals like TCE isn't proven enough yet.
  2. The case of Holmes v Poeton involved a worker who claimed his Parkinson's was caused by chemical exposure at work. Courts found the evidence too weak to support this claim.
  3. Studies suggest some chemicals might increase the risk of Parkinson's, but proving direct causation is hard because many factors can influence health conditions.

Everything You Need to Know About H5N1 Bird Flu

OK Doomer • 246 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Pandemics Public Health Healthcare policy Epidemiology
  1. H5N1 bird flu is becoming a serious threat and might be spreading through the air from bird droppings, which could put people at risk even in parks.
  2. The current government's lack of transparency and support for tracking outbreaks is concerning, especially as hospitals face rising flu cases.
  3. Historical pandemics show that initial mildness can lead to deadly mutations, and without proper public health measures, we may be repeating past mistakes.

Yes, Wipe Down Surfaces. No, Don't Hoard Cleaning Products. Try HOCl.

OK Doomer • 141 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Infectious Diseases Health Policy Epidemiology
  1. It's important to wipe down surfaces to prevent the spread of germs, especially when illnesses like the flu are on the rise.
  2. Instead of hoarding cleaning products, try using hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as a simpler and effective germ killer.
  3. The flu season is currently very severe, even worse than COVID-19 in some cases, so taking precautions is essential for safety.

My promise to you

Your Local Epidemiologist • 6868 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Community health Public awareness
  1. The goal is to provide clear, evidence-based health information, not to add to the noise of social media. This platform is designed to help you make informed decisions for your health.
  2. Transparency is key, and it’s important to understand what the science says and what it means for you. It's okay to admit when we don’t know something and to clarify the difference between data and opinions.
  3. Public health is about people, not just statistics. Every issue will be approached with empathy to consider the real human impact behind the numbers.

It's Already Worse Than We Thought

OK Doomer • 251 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Health Policy Epidemiology Crisis Management
  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.

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.

A week of chaos in public health

Your Local Epidemiologist • 3907 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Changes Epidemiology Research Funding Health Communication
  1. There has been a major pause in public health communications and research, which could lead to delays in tackling important health threats like bird flu.
  2. The changes in public health leadership could have serious impacts on funding for research and the health safety systems that protect communities.
  3. Despite the chaos, local public health teams are still crucial and will keep working to ensure community health, showing that public health is about more than just federal leadership.

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.

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 Public Health Nutrition Vaccination Epidemiology 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.

Why should you care about an indirect cost?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2155 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Research Funding Policy Changes Community Engagement Epidemiology
  1. Indirect costs are essential for research. They cover things like rent and internet, helping researchers do their work effectively.
  2. A proposed cut in indirect costs could greatly harm universities and their communities. This could lead to job losses and less innovation, affecting everyone.
  3. Researchers need to do a better job of connecting with the public. If people understand the importance of research funding, they may be more likely to support it.

Data and communication are gold

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2389 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Data Integrity Communication Epidemiology Biosecurity
  1. Public health data is crucial for keeping people safe and informed. When this data is lost or manipulated, it poses a serious risk to health and safety.
  2. Changes in government orders are causing confusion and delays in data reporting, affecting how health agencies communicate important health information.
  3. Local health departments and universities are still working to share necessary health updates while federal agencies face challenges. Staying informed through local sources is key during this instability.

The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2760 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Global Health Public Health Health Policy Epidemiology International cooperation
  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.

Body as a shell

Your Local Epidemiologist • 4557 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Education Policy Issues Science communication
  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.

Here's what we're getting ourselves into

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2286 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Healthcare policy Epidemiology Chronic Disease Health Communication
  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.

H5N1 Update: January 7

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1940 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Epidemiology Public Health Infectious Disease Vaccination Pandemic Preparedness
  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.

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.

Now what for public health?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2790 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination policy Health Communication Health Misinformation Epidemiology
  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.

We are likely at peak season

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1384 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Infectious Diseases Health Policy
  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.

The Virtue of Diversity

David Friedman’s Substack • 431 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Epidemiology Policy Analysis Scientific research
  1. Many countries had similar Covid-19 policies, even though their cultures and situations were very different. This shows that having different approaches can be useful because it allows for diverse solutions.
  2. The Great Barrington Declaration suggested protecting vulnerable people while allowing the virus to spread among others. This idea faced strong opposition, highlighting how challenging it can be to propose different solutions in a uniform system.
  3. Countries like Sweden took a different path during the pandemic, opting for lighter restrictions. This led to a less severe impact than predicted, suggesting that a variety of strategies can lead to better outcomes.

YLE milestone, Red Dye #3, air quality in LA, raw cat food, and more on alcohol.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1187 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Nutrition Epidemiology Environmental health Policy
  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.

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.

More of your H5N1 questions answered

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1263 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Disease Control Vaccination policy Infectious Diseases
  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.

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 fluoride debate

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1979 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Community health Dental Health
  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.

It's time to pay attention to Bulgarian death rates. Yes, I'm serious.

Unreported Truths • 62 implied HN points • 15 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Epidemiology Covid impact
  1. Bulgaria has seen a drop in death rates since Covid ended, which is surprising given its low vaccination rate. This suggests that high vaccination levels may not always lead to lower long-term death rates.
  2. Many countries still face unexpectedly high death rates post-Covid, even though the pandemic has been declared over. This indicates that there are other factors at play affecting mortality rates.
  3. The experiences of Bulgaria and heavily vaccinated nations highlight the complexity of public health outcomes after a pandemic, including the need to examine why some countries are seeing rising deaths while others are not.

England's ongoing Covid wave and new Long Covid research

Independent SAGE continues • 359 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Covid response Long Covid Research Epidemiology
  1. England is experiencing a new wave of Covid-19, which has been ongoing and affecting many people's lives and plans.
  2. Recent research shows that being vaccinated significantly lowers the risk of developing Long Covid, but it's still a concern for a large number of people.
  3. Even with a lower chance of Long Covid now, frequent Covid waves mean that many people continue to suffer from long-term symptoms and disruption in their daily lives.

Is the current Covid wave in England peaking?

Independent SAGE continues • 439 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Infection Control
  1. Covid cases in England might be peaking now, as recent hospital admissions have been flat. This wave is bigger than last May's but lower than previous peaks.
  2. The KP.3 variant is currently dominant in England. While it can evade some immunity, it doesn't seem to cause more severe illness.
  3. Improving indoor air quality and monitoring wastewater for viruses could help manage Covid and other infections. The government needs a better plan for future pandemics, including research on Long Covid.

Buckle up: Navigating the noise around routine vaccination

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1375 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Health Communication Health Policy
  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.

COVID Restrictions - Embraced Enthusiastically By Government Establishment - Were Indisputably Pointless, New Study Finds

Unmasked • 86 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID Policies Government actions Health Impact Epidemiology
  1. COVID restrictions, like lockdowns and mask mandates, didn't really help stop the spread of the virus. They ended up costing a lot of money without making a difference.
  2. Many people still feel the effects of these restrictions today, like vaccine passports and other rules that came from government policies.
  3. After lifting restrictions, there weren't big spikes in COVID cases, which suggests that the rules might not have worked as intended.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 20

Force of Infection • 105 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Disease Public Health Vaccination Healthcare system Epidemiology
  1. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are improving, but norovirus has become more prevalent this season. It's important to stay cautious during flu season, as the numbers can change quickly.
  2. While COVID-19 levels are still somewhat high, there's a small hope that the situation is getting better, with fewer hospitalizations reported recently.
  3. Norovirus is on the rise this winter, likely due to a new strain. It's crucial to maintain good hygiene practices, like washing hands, to prevent infection.